| Egyptian Journal of Archeological and Restoration Studies

Authors:
Shafik, S.
Higher Institute for Tourism & Hotels, Luxor (EGOTH), Egypt

Abstract:
Located in the Wenis cemetery, Mehu’s mastaba was used by three individuals of the same family, Mehu, Meryreankh and Hotepka. With its well preserved decoration and with the variety and frequently original themes depicted on its walls, the mastaba may be considered as one of the most important tombs of the Old Kingdom. The owner probably had royal blood and was also married to a daughter of a king, possibly Wenis. He held the vizierate under Wenis, Teti and early under Pepy I, and accordingly during Weserkare’s reign. The architecture of Mehu’s mastaba seems to have been inspired by those of Ti and Ptahhotep I, and all three influenced other mastabas, such as that of Mereruka. The artists of Mehu’s chapel were very competent and paid special attention to details, but those of Meryreankh and Hotepka, were generally less capable. Similarities between Mehu’s scenes and those of Mereruka are evident in the flute players amongst the harvesters, the attendants catching Egyptian mongooses by the tail in the fowling scenes, and the sleeping/preparation to sleep during the pilgrimage trips. Comparison with other tombs shows similarities, for example in the mating crocodiles (Mehu, Kagemni and Hesi), the crocodiles swallowing fish headfirst (Khnumenti at Giza and Mehu, Kagemni and Mereri at Saqqara) and the high-kicking dance (Mehu, Kagemni, Ankhmahor, and Merefnebef). However, the aggressive scenes found for instance in Mereruka’s chapel are missing in that of Mehu, which may reflect his personality.

Keywords:
Chapel, Cemetery, Old Kingdom, Sarcophagus, Abydos.

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