Sheikh Abd el-Qurna - Subterranean Chambers of Sennofer

In the hill above Rekhmere's Tomb are the Subterranean Chambers of Sennofer (No. 96B), a Prince of Thebes and Overseer of the Gardens of the Temple of Amun in the reign of Amenophis II. The paintings in this tomb are notable for their freshness and beauty. The upper chambers are of no interest. A steep flight of steps descends to an antechamber and the main chamber, which has four pillars. The mural decorations are all on religious themes.

The ceiling of the antechamber is painted to resemble an arbor, with vines and dark colored grapes. Left hand wall: Sennofer, seated, with his daughter (partly destroyed) and ten priests presenting offerings. Right hand wall: Sennofer with his daughter behind him and servants bringing the tomb furnishings; to the right, Sennofer entering and leaving the tomb. Rear wall, to the right and left of door: the dead man and his sister worshiping Osiris, who is depicted on the lintel. The ceiling of the pillared chamber is decorated with vines and interlace patterns; there are also vines in the frieze on the walls. Above the door are two crouching dogs (Anubis); below and on the door jambs the usual prayers for the dead. Left hand entrance wall: the dead man and his sister Merit coming out of the tomb; beyond this, the same couple seated on a bench. Left hand wall: the funeral ceremonies, watched by Sennofer himself (on the left). Rear wall: the dead man and his sister (destroyed) at a meal, with priests performing the funeral sacrifice; farther right, the ships taking the body to Abydos and bringing it back for burial. Right hand wall: the dead man and his sister, in a vine arbor, praying to Osiris and Anubis; religious scenes and texts (in the middle Anubis at the bier of Osiris); a priest pouring the purifying waterover the dead man and his sister. Right hand entrance wall: the dead man and his sister at a meal; a priest making offerings to them. The dead man and his sister are also frequently depicted on the pillars.