Wall frieze of the funerary chapel of the south tomb at the complex of the Step Pyramid of Djoser, Ṣaqqārah, Egypt

"The dominant appearance of the Step Pyramid inside the complex of Djoser is designed to denote the divine position of the dead king. The different structures inside represent a selection of units that were essential for the existence of the king in the afterlife: the south tomb and its mortuary chapel, the Hed-Sed chapels and temple 'T', the mortuary temple and serdad, the pavilions of the South and North, and the Step Pyramid itself. The funerary chapel that belongs to the south tomb has a paneled wall and its top is decorated with the figures of the sacred cobras, or uraeus serpents, to symbolize hope in a new life." [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.