Grave Goods

There is evidence that the Egyptians began believing in a life after death early in their prehistory. The deceased was buried with everyday objects for use in the afterlife. Grave goods included pots (the majority of the items), combs, stone vessels, and slate palettes on which malachite, the green eye cosmetic, was ground. Sometimes there were figurines and objects of copper, beads, and amulets.

An important factor in the development of the Egyptian tomb was the necessity to provide storage space for the items of funerary equipment. Following unification there was a great increase in wealth in part of the population. Thus much larger tombs were built with special store-chambers.

Necklace	Bowl	Jar	Die

Paette	Comb	Basket

Spindle

 

Sources:

Adams, Barbara. Egyptian Mummies. Aylesbury: Shire Publications, Ltd., 1984.

Spencer, A.J. Death in Ancient Egypt. New York: Penguin Books, 1982.

 

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Copyright 2000, Spurlock Museum, University of Illinois.