The Chapel of Kahai and His Family

The tomb of Kahai and his family was previously published only in black and white photographs by Moussa and Altenmüller under the title of The Tomb of Nefer and Ka-Hay. As one of the most colourful tombs of the Old Kingdom, the present publication offers magnificently rich colour plates and context line drawings showing all the intricate details of the scenes and inscriptions. As such, this monograph is a significant addition to the study of Egyptian art in the Old Kingdom. Contrary to the belief that Nefer prepared the joint tomb for himself and his father Kahai, the author shows that we have here a rare case of a son dying before his father with the latter adding an alcove dedicated for his son in his chapel. Other sons of Kahai were later included in the decoration, making this a true family burial place.