The Tomb Of Kheruef
TT 192, the private tomb of Kheruef, is located on the west bank of the river Nile on the foothills of Egypt's Asasif district. This is the largest tomb in the area. A nearby path also leads to the funerary temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari. It's a colossal funerary complex belonging to Khereuf, also known as Naa. Khereuf was once steward of Queen Tiy, the Great Royal Wife of Amenhotep III. The tomb was never finished for unknown reasons, and the site was abandoned. The tomb is almost devoid of any color and is quite unappealing. Tourists to this tomb are scarce, although this is among those rare sites still open to the public. Khereuf was a vital individual responsible for organizing the first and third jubilees of Amenhotep III. He worked as a royal scribe and was the first herald to the king before getting appointed as a steward. The tomb is an important religious and historical place.
The Discovery
The Tomb of Khereuf was discovered by German Egyptologist Adolph Erman in 1885. In the 1940s, the tomb is believed to have been robbed.
The Structure
A descending corridor leads to the entrance to the tomb TT 192. This becomes an open court with porticos and pillars on both its east and west sides. The most critical scenes inside the tomb are present on the western wall of the court. The pictures depict many scenes of Amenhotep III and his court in various themes and poses.
Initially, the tomb was dug into the bedrock below the desert's surface. A courtyard before the portico is a rare innovation, seen only during the 18th dynasty in the Tombs of Khaemhat, Ramose, and Imhotep.
Tomb Plan
- Tomb TT 192 of Khereuf is made up of five parts:
- A slope leading to the first decorated doorway on the west side.
- The large open courtyard was surrounded by a canopy supported by 39 columns on all four sides.
- The first hall on the north-south axis has three pillars in ten rows.
- Another pillared hall represents the funerary chapel.
- An underground chamber is located at the southwest corner of the second hall.
Scenes Inside the Tomb
The scenes finished in the tomb depict celebrations organized in honor of Amenhotep III's jubilees, and it's believed that Khereuf would have been a significant part of these celebrations. Other scenes include dancing girls and various sporting activities.
A Lesser-known Truth
Tomb TT 192 is said to be the tomb of Khereuf. However, some archaeologists believe the construction was unfinished, and he might have yet to be buried here. Khereuf appeared to have fallen from grace before his death; his name in the tomb was scrubbed away. The reason for this fall from grace remains a mystery.
