Within the vast necropolis of Saqqara, amidst the giant pyramids of the pharaohs, more modest yet equally valuable monuments also capture attention. One such hidden treasure is the tomb (mastaba) of Princess Seshseshet Idut. This small but significant noble`s tomb from the Old Kingdom holds its greatest value in its magnificently preserved polychrome (colored) bas-reliefs, which tell the story of an aristocrat`s eternal life.
The Tomb`s Owner: Who Was Seshseshet Idut?
Seshseshet Idut was the mother of Pharaoh Teti, the first ruler of the 6th Dynasty (approximately 2323–2291 BC), and thus the grandmother of Pharaoh Pepi I. She lived and was buried at the turn of the eras – at the end of the 5th or very beginning of the 6th Dynasty, about 4,300 years ago. Her titles – "King’s Mother" and "Ornament of the Royal Court" – speak of the highest status and honor she enjoyed.
Her burial in Saqqara, near the pyramids of the 5th Dynasty pharaohs, was an act of respect and a symbol of the new dynasty`s connection to the old sacred traditions. It is possible that her son, Pharaoh Teti, ordered the construction of this worthy tomb for his mother.
Architecture: A Traditional Mastaba for Eternal Life
The tomb is a classic mastaba – a rectangular, above-ground structure with sloping walls, imitating a house for eternity. It is modest in size, which is typical for women`s tombs of that period. The entrance leads to a cult chapel, intended for performing funerary rites and offerings by the family and priests. It is precisely the walls of this chapel that are the main attraction.
The Tomb`s Treasure: The Colored Bas-Reliefs and Their Scenes
The bas-reliefs in the mastaba of Seshseshet Idut are among the finest examples of art from the late Old Kingdom. Their state of preservation is astounding: after millennia, the paints – ochre, red, blue, green, and black – remain bright and detailed. All scenes are subordinated to one goal: to provide the princess with everything necessary for a prosperous existence in the afterlife.
The Central Figure: In several key scenes, Princess Seshseshet Idut herself is depicted in a majestic pose. She sits on a chair with lion`s paws, wearing a tight white dress and a voluminous wig, holding a lotus flower – a symbol of rebirth – in her hand. Her image is larger than those of the servants, emphasizing her high status.
The Offering Scene: This is the most important and detailed relief. It depicts a long procession of servants and family members carrying countless gifts to the false door (niche). Each item is carefully carved and painted:
• Food: ox carcasses, ducks, geese, baskets of grain, grapes, figs, bread, jugs of beer and wine.
• Luxury and Household Items: vessels for incense, caskets with jewelry, fans, furniture, sandals.
• Symbolic Gifts: bouquets of lotus and papyrus flowers.
Scenes of Daily Life: These images were meant to magically recreate an ideal world for the princess:
• Agricultural Work: plowing, harvesting, baking bread, preparing meat and beer – everything that ensures a continuous "ration" for eternity.
• Crafts: depictions of carpenters, jewelers, and sculptors at work.
• Hunting in the Papyrus Thickets: the princess, accompanied by a dog, stands in a papyrus boat, observing birds. This scene symbolized victory over chaos and the enjoyment of nature`s abundance.
The False Door (Serdab) and Niches: In the chapel`s western wall is the false door – a stone slab carved to look like a door. This is the most sacred element of the tomb. It was believed that through it the princess`s `ka` (spirit double) could emerge to receive offerings and return to the afterlife. Niches for statues of the tomb`s owner were often placed nearby, also serving as a vessel for her soul.
Why is this tomb so interesting for tourists?
• Unlike the grand but often empty royal pyramids, here you find yourself in the personal space of a noble individual.
• The bright colors and everyday details create a direct connection with the ancient civilization. You see not abstract gods, but real people with their concerns for daily sustenance, even after death.
• It is a rare chance to appreciate the skill of the stone carvers and ancient colorists in such excellent condition.
• The tomb helps you understand how "eternal life" was organized not for a pharaoh, but for high-ranking nobility, and how art served practical, magical purposes.
Visiting the mastaba of Seshseshet Idut is a rare opportunity to see what the eternal life of a noble Egyptian looked like 4,300 years ago. Here, you will find not just an ancient tomb, but a vibrant gallery in stone. Unlike the majestic yet empty pyramids of the pharaohs, this burial tells a personal story.
