Sennedjem tomb
Sennedjem lived during the reign of Seti I, and when Ramesses II's reign began, he became an ancient Egyptian official of the 19th dynasty. The tomb of Sennedjem is known as TT1, and he also had the title Servant in the Place of Truth. The tomb TT1 is located at Deir El Medina in the Theban necropolis on the west bank of the river Nile. Over 20 burials were found inside the tomb, the burial place of Sennedjem and his family.
The discovery
The tomb of Sennedjem was found intact in the year 1986 by Egyptologists. The 20 mummies found are believed to be members of the tomb owners. The rich funerary equipment and the coffins found have now been moved to museums in Cairo and other places. The entrance to the tomb is a steep staircase followed by a small entrance chamber that initially had a wooden decorated door that was later moved to the Cairo Museum. Like most private tombs here, the tomb of Sennedjem was decorated with paintings. Although simple, these depict remarkable colors and exciting views.
Decorations inside the tomb
Paintings are the main decoration inside the tomb. The tomb begins with a steep staircase leading into the entrance chamber, followed by a short passage that ends in the vaulted burial chamber. The walls of the entranceway and gallery have paintings and scenes of Sennedjem worshipping the many deities and showing his family members in several locations. The decoration in the burial chamber, on a yellow ochre background, is exceptionally well-preserved.
Text from the Book of the Dead is also featured on the walls. One of the most famous scenes in TT1 depicts the expected afterlife of the deceased and his wife in the Field of Reeds.
Even the tomb's ceiling is brightly painted with scenes and texts of the deceased worshipping the different gods and goddesses. TT1 portrays traditional funerary scenes from ‘The Book of the Dead' vibrantly and colorfully. It illustrates the journey of Sennedjem to the Netherworld and his life afterward.
Findings from the tomb
The burial goods found in the tomb include Ushabtis, canopic boxes, and furniture in different sizes. The findings were mainly sold, and some important among these were sent to the Cairo, New York, and Berlin museums.
When to visit
TT1 is open from 6 am to 4 pm during the winter months. Tickets can be bought at the main ticket office on the west bank. The cost of a ticket that includes three tombs, including TT1, is EGP 30.
