Djehuty and his Mother Receiving Offerings, Tomb of Djehuty 1427 BC

Norman de Garis Davies created this watercolor facsimile of "Djehuty and his Mother Receiving Offerings" from the Tomb of Djehuty. Davies worked at the turn of the 20th century, a period when archaeology began to flourish. Davies painstakingly documented ancient Egyptian tombs. He offers us a glimpse into a world that deeply valued lineage and legacy. Here we see Djehuty, likely a nobleman, seated beside his mother. Their close proximity suggests a bond of respect and affection. They are presented with offerings, underscoring their status and the reverence they commanded, even after death. Consider the colors, the delicate lines, and the composition itself. How does Davies, an outsider, interpret and translate this ancient culture? His work invites us to reflect on themes of identity, remembrance, and the enduring power of familial ties across millennia. This piece serves as a window into both ancient Egyptian society and the colonial gaze that sought to capture and preserve it.