Polychrome low relief in tomb of Ptahhotep. Ṣaqqārah, Egypt

"The mastaba of Ptahhotep, northwest of the Step Pyramid, is a funerary complex built for two Ptahhoteps and an Akhihotep. Ptahhotep ('Ptah is happy') was one of the greatest noblemen of late Fifth Dynasty. A kaleidoscope of genre scenes is represented in seven registers on the east wall of the cult chamber. Watching them is Ptahhotep with his eldest son, also named Ptahhotep. Domestic animals were an important asset and their care was recorded and carefully represented on the walls of the deceaseds tomb. In some cases the animals were led to the owner as an offering, in others simply to be inspected. In this delicate and carefully carved low relief it is possible to see servants bearing offerings." [Zahi Hawass, 2003: The Treasures of the Pyramids. White Star Publishers]. "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.