SaqqaraSaqqara is located in northern Egypt, just west of Memphis. It was the site of the most important cemetery of the Memphis rulers and nobility, who built the first great tombs and the first great stone pyramid, the Step Pyramid, which is also located at Saqqara. The Step Pyramid, belonging to King Djozer, has six steps and stands 204 feet tall. Saqqara was most important from the First to Third Dynasties, but continued as an important burial ground up to the Graeco-Roman Period. The University of Pennsylvania began excavating at Saqqara in 1992, working with the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The expedition, which continues today, focuses on the tomb of Meri-Teti and tombs of officials and high-ranking priests of the Middle Kingdom. Objects from Saqqara on exhibit are the Statue of the Sole Companion Khenu (see cat. no. 33) and the West Wall of the Tomb Chapel of Kaipura (see cat. no. 52). The tomb chapel of Kaipura is decorated with scenes and inscribed with hieroglyphic text, which tells us a little about Kaipura, a high-ranking official of the Old Kingdom. |