Wall decoration within the causeway of the pyramid of Unas. Ṣaqqārah, Egypt

"The causeway of the pyramid of Unas must have been one of the most impressive of any pyramid. In the roof a slit was left open, allowing a shaft of light to illuminate a gallery of brightly painted reliefs. Only fragments were found, but these hint at the astonishing array of scenes that once covered the walls: craftsmen working gold and copper; estate laborers gathering figs and honey, and harvesting grain; and lines of offering bearers. Other scenes included bearded Asiatics and battles with enemies, and wild animals, such as lions, leopards and hyenas." [Lehner M., 1997: The Complete pyramids. Thames and Hudson]. "Saqqâra (Ṣaqqārah) is a large necropolis south of Cairo and west of ancient Memphis. It was the necropolis of ancient Memphis; has remains of several pyramids from 5th and 6th dynasties and the famous Step Pyramid, the earliest true pyramid in Egypt, built for King Zoser (Djoser) of the 3rd dynasty ca. 2630 BC by his prime minister Imhotep. It is not to be confused with the modern town of the same name." [The J. P. Getty Fund: Thesaurus of Geographical Names]. This photograph was taken when Eliot Elisofon was on assignment for American Institute of Architects, directing the Egyptian portion of the documentary on Ancient Egypt, March 1965 and September 1965.