Boats with Mourners and Provisions, Tomb of Neferhotep 1327 BC

Nina de Garis Davies created this watercolor in the early 20th century, documenting a scene from the tomb of Neferhotep. It shows boats carrying mourners and provisions, painted onto the tomb's walls using pigments derived from minerals and plants. The act of painting within a tomb was not merely decorative; it was a sacred duty. Craftspeople meticulously prepared the surfaces, grinding pigments and mixing them with binding agents, adhering to strict iconographic conventions. The vibrant colors, applied in layers, were meant to ensure the deceased's successful passage into the afterlife. The mural-making process involved a division of labor, with specialized artisans responsible for carving, painting, and hieroglyphic inscription. Davies’s watercolor gives us insight into these ancient practices and belief systems, reminding us of the profound connection between art, ritual, and the human experience. The image preserves not only the visual content, but also the echo of hands that shaped the tomb.