Tomb of Nakht 1390 BC

The Tomb of Nakht is an ancient Egyptian artwork of uncertain date created by artists during the dynastic period. Tomb paintings like these offer us an intimate look into the daily lives, beliefs, and social structures of ancient Egypt. Paintings of Nakht and his wife not only reveal their status but also touch on the performative aspects of identity in ancient Egypt. The careful depiction of clothing, jewelry, and even skin tone, worked to reinforce social hierarchies. The presence of Nakht’s wife is particularly interesting. These images acknowledge the importance of women in Egyptian society, although their roles were often defined in relation to men. Consider the emotional weight of these images. They were designed to accompany the deceased into the afterlife, serving as a constant reminder of their earthly existence. What do you think they tell us about Nakht's identity and his relationship with his wife?