Drovers with a Gaggle of Geese

myminifactory

The exceptionally well-preserved mastaba of Ti sits at the northern edge of the Saqqara necropolis, approximately 300m north of the 'Philosopher's Circle'. As a high-status official during Dynasty V, Ti held prestigious titles such as 'Overseer of the Pyramids of Niuserre' and 'Overseer of the Sun-Temples of Sahure, Neferirkare, and Niuserre'. Discovered by Auguste Mariette in 1865, the tomb has undergone restoration and reconstruction by the Egyptian Antiquities Department to become one of the most beautifully decorated Old Kingdom mastabas in the entire necropolis. The tomb boasts not only superb reliefs but also an intriguing variety of subjects. The entrance to the tomb was via a portico on its northern side, which leads into a vast columned courtyard featuring twelve square pillars and a central burial shaft (uninscribed) where Ti's empty sarcophagus was found. Although little remains today of the courtyard decoration, a notable aperture on the north-east corner provides access to the first serdab (statue chamber). Reliefs in the courtyard depict Ti engaging in agricultural scenes and daily life activities. At the south-west corner of the courtyard lies a false door stela bearing the image of his son, Demedji. The southern wall features three restored apertures through which the serdab statue can be viewed. The serdab now houses a replica of the original life-sized statue (located in Cairo Museum), allowing Ti to communicate with the living and witness ritual offerings through these apertures. Scenic depictions on the adjacent wall show Ti inspecting viticulture and bird-catching activities.