The Tale of Sen-Nedjem and Setet-Aset: The Complete Tomb of the Chief Artisan
Not all ancient Egyptian tombs are as famous as those of King Tutankhamun, Queen Nefertari, or Ramses III. However, every tomb holds immense significance, representing a unique chapter of ancient Egyptian history. Among these is the remarkably complete tomb of Sen-Nedjem, the Chief Artisan, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life and beliefs of the ancient Egyptians.
The Discovery of a Complete Tomb
While many ancient tombs have been plundered over the centuries, Sen-Nedjem's tomb stands out as an exception. It was discovered intact in 1886 by a local Bedouin named Salem Abu Dhahy, untouched by ancient or modern thieves. This rare preservation places it alongside other iconic intact tombs, such as those of Tutankhamun and Psusennes I.
Sen-Nedjem's tomb, identified as TT1 in Deir el-Medina near Luxor, was the burial site of a family of artisans responsible for constructing royal tombs during the New Kingdom period (1470–1070 BCE). Sen-Nedjem himself supervised significant projects, including the tombs of Seti I and Ramses II.
French Egyptologist Gaston Maspero examined the tomb after its discovery. Its artifacts were subsequently distributed among major museums, with items now housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the British Museum in London, Berlin museums, and institutions in New York.
The Art and Imagery of the Afterlife
The tomb’s walls are adorned with vivid murals depicting Sen-Nedjem engaging in agricultural activities in the afterlife, a metaphor for eternal peace and abundance. He is shown wearing pristine white robes, symbolizing purity and honor. These scenes reflect the ancient Egyptian belief in a bountiful afterlife, where the deceased could enjoy farming lush fields and harvesting plentiful crops.
"The Forgiven One": A Title of Respect
This title underscores his role as a servant of the "Place of Truth" (the Valley of the Kings), a sacred site where the ultimate truth of death resides. The phrase "true of voice" signifies his integrity and righteousness before the gods, akin to the modern epitaph "may he rest in peace."
The Mummies and Their Relics
Sen-Nedjem’s tomb contained 20 mummies, including his family members and others whose identities remain uncertain. Sen-Nedjem’s mummy was found in two nested coffins, the inner one shaped to resemble his body. His wife, Setet-Aset (also referred to as "Iyneferty"), was interred similarly, with two coffins and one in human form. Their son, Khonsu, was also mummified with a coffin and a funerary mask, alongside his wife, Tamaket.
Other notable artifacts include funerary furniture, jars containing viscera, and numerous "ushabti" figurines—small statues believed to assist the deceased in the afterlife by performing tasks on their behalf.
Setet-Aset: The “Lady of the House”
One mural in the tomb portrays Sen-Nedjem and his wife, Setet-Aset, harvesting crops in the afterlife. This image encapsulates the ancient Egyptian vision of paradise, where the deceased, having passed judgment successfully, enjoys eternal peace. Wearing white robes, they are shown living in a lush green estate, assisted by ushabti servants.
This phrase affirms her honor and virtue, reflecting a tradition similar to today’s expression "may she rest in peace."
Preserving Names for Immortality
Their carefully preserved legacy continues to offer insights into the spiritual and cultural fabric of ancient Egyptian civilization.
