User:Mariey223/Banquet Scenes in Ancient Egypt

Banquet Scenes in Ancient Egypt

Banquet scenes in Ancient Egypt appeared in tombs from the Sixth Dynasty to the Twenty-Sixth Dynasty. In some tombs, like TT52, these scenes were on the left half of the rear wall of the outer chamber. This area was considered the “living-room of the dead”.

Significance
“The Beautiful Festival of the Valley” is what prompted the importance of depicting banquet scenes in tombs. During this festival, a great procession of deities, such as Amun and Mut, were carried from Karnak to Western Thebes to visit the royal funerary temples. The representation of banquet scenes were devoted to show the celebrations families had in the forecourt of their deceased relative’s tombs to celebrate the festival.

Offerings
In banquet scenes, offerings of food are brought to the deceased. Those coming to make the offerings are segregated by gender and come bearing fruit and wine.

Jewelry, Cosmetics and Perfume
It is customary in banquet scenes for servants to adorn the women with jewelry, cosmetics and perfume. The tomb owners wore what was considered to be the divine set of jewelry. Broad collars and cuff bracelets and armlets were usually worn by deities or royalty. The women wore kohl eyeliner and applied rouge to their cheeks and lips. The servants applied fragrant oils on the women as well.

Music
No banquet was complete without music, and Ancient Egyptians were known to appreciate the art. Many banquet scenes show musicians playing instruments like the tambourine or double flute. Blind vocalists who play the harp were also common sources of entertainment during banquets.