Wilkinson, John Gardner: Topographie of Thebes, and general view of Egypt: being a short account of the principal objects worthy of notice in the valley of the Nile, to the second cataracte and Wadi Samneh, with the Fyoom, Oases and eastern desert, from Sooez to Bertenice (London, 1835)

142 SUBJECTS OF THE TOMBS. [Chap. III.

The sculptures do not, I think, refer exclusively
to the life and actions of the individual of the
tomb, except to a certain extent, or in those com-
partments which peculiarly relate to him,—such as
the ovals of the king in whose reign he lived *—
the hieroglyphics stating his name and office, his
conduct and occupations during his lifetime, with
some few other subjects—which in some being
omitted and their site left blank, while the trades,
the agricultural scenes, and other of the general
employments of the Egyptians, equally suited to
all, are already introduced, strongly confirm this
opinion. It was in this state that the purchaser,
during his lifetime, or his friends f after his de-
cease, saw the tombs offered for sale by the priests,
who, keeping a sufficient number always prepared,
afforded a choice of different qualities suited to
the means and taste of every purchaser.

The numerous subjects, as, for instance, glass-
blowers, saddlers, curriers, carpenters, cabinet-
makers, boat-builders, chariot-makers, sculptors,
musicians, fowlers, fishermen, husbandmen en-
gaged in agricultural occupations, &c, could not
of course refer to one person, the occupant of the
catacomb, who, even to allow the utmost extent of
his office, could not be superintendent of all those
different branches of Egyptian art and employment.

* If the second occupant lived in another reign, the name of
the king is generally changed.
f Diodorus, i. s. 92.