Evidence for local roots of the owners of the First Dynasty elite tombs at Abu Rawash

Abstract

The status tombs at cemetery M at Abu Rawash share design and layout of the superstructures with elite tombs at other locations, the owners of these tombs are associated with the higher echelons of the state administration in the First Dynasty. The distinct design of their substructures share features with tombs of the middle classes in the cemeteries at the site. A re evaluation of the tomb types shows evidence for three distinct types of substructures of tombs, present in all cemeteries at the site. The distinct differences in design and construction of the substructures are interpreted as belonging to kin groups with each distinct mortuary practices. The mortuary practices were shared by multiple social layers in the local community, including the elite who were buried at cemetery M. A careful analysis of the mortuary landscape of the site, suggests the existence of systems of patronage, most likely based on family or kin group lines. It can be argued that patronage may have been a key factor in the social and economic dynamics of the construction of the status tombs at cemetery M. The resulting social interactions provide a new perspective to assess ownership of the tomb as non royal.

Keywords

• stratified community
• shared mortuary practices
• kinship groups
• systems of patronage
• elite tombs
• middle class tombs