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Preparing and Cooking Cakes, Tomb of Rekhmire by Nina M. Davies

Nina M. Davies · 1504-01-01

This painting, "Preparing and Cooking Cakes," by Nina M. Davies, offers a remarkable window into ancient Egyptian daily life around 1504 BC. Part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, it meticulously documents a scene from the Tomb of Rekhmire. Davies, an Egyptologist and illustrator, created these works to preserve historical details from fading tomb decorations.

Observe the women at work: one figure skillfully kneads dough, while another stirs ingredients in a large, blue and grey pot. A third figure pours liquid into distinct conical molds, likely for a specific type of bread or cake. These details highlight the practical aspects of food preparation and the tools used in ancient Egypt.

The artwork is not just a depiction; it's a careful historical record. Nina M. Davies and her husband, Norman de Garis Davies, dedicated their lives to copying intricate wall paintings, ensuring these glimpses into ancient culture endured for future study. Their collaborative efforts provided invaluable documentation of scenes intended to guarantee sustenance in the afterlife.

What other details do you notice in this snapshot of ancient Egyptian domestic life?

Details

It records a scene of women preparing cakes in the Tomb of Rekhmire.
It records a scene of women preparing cakes in the Tomb of Rekhmire.
Nearby, another figure stirs ingredients in a large, decorated pot.
Nearby, another figure stirs ingredients in a large, decorated pot.
She pours liquid into conical molds, used for a specific kind of bread.
She pours liquid into conical molds, used for a specific kind of bread.
This detailed record ensures sustenance for the afterlife.
This detailed record ensures sustenance for the afterlife.
Transcript

This painting documents daily life in ancient Egypt, over 3,500 years ago. It records a scene of women preparing cakes in the Tomb of Rekhmire. Notice how she skillfully kneads the dough on a flat surface. Nearby, another figure stirs ingredients in a large, decorated pot. She pours liquid into conical molds, used for a specific kind of bread. This detailed record ensures sustenance for the afterlife.