The tradition of tomb burial is strongly reflected, although not exclusive to, ancient Egyptian culture. With regard to this culture, however, one feature that sets it apart from others is that such practices were exclusive to those in power. In addition to being the final resting place of the body, in ancient Egyptian culture a tomb also served another purpose. A very important notion embedded within and reflected by tombs is that of afterlife. It was believed that, following their death, rulers would reincarnate. In this context, a tomb was also a space which contained the possessions of the deceased.

              The tomb of Tutankhamen, ruler of Egypt who was in power between 1333 and 1323 BTC, is one of the most well-preserved instantiations of this ancient tradition. Alongside the mummy, which is encased in a coffin made of pure gold and contained within two larger coffins, the contents of the tomb also include a “fabulously rich treasure of sculpture, furniture, and jewelry largely intact” (Kleiner 78). In addition to containing material possessions, the tomb also features a stylized glimpse into one of the ruler’s achievements: one of the items found is a painted chest which, according to Kleiner, contrasts “the orderly registers of Egyptian chariots with the chaotic pile of foreign soldiers who fall before the king” (79).

              The multi-faceted nature of this ancient tradition is unprecedented with regard to the western culture. However, given the fictitious scenario of it being otherwise, a unique opportunity arises to re-consider which modern possessions would accompany deceased leaders in their tombs. The answer to this question is without a doubt, speculative by nature. Yet, what comes to mind first and foremost are items representative not of art or daily life, but rather of something that did not exist in ancient Egypt – symbols of state, such as flags and badges. Given the Egyptian belief that a tomb must contain valuable items, however, similarly to the tomb of Tutanchamen, a modern tomb would most likely contain precious materials such as gold and diamonds, as well as works of art.

Works cited

Kleiner, Fred S. Gardner’s Art through Ages: A Global History. Enhanced 13th ed., Wadsworth, 2011.