The tomb of Khaemwaset, one of the sons of Ramesses
III, is
number QV 44 in the Valley of the Queens on the
West Bank of
Luxor (ancient Thebes). It was discovered in February 1903,
with a numerous sarcophagi pilled up in the entrance
corridor. This was a clear sign that it had been used
for common burial.
Khaemwaset had among his most important roles, that of
Priest of Ptah
in Memphis. His
major titles included "Fan-bearer to the Right of the
King" and "Sem-priest" as indicated by reliefs
in the temple of Medinet
Habu. We believe he was probably Ramesses III's oldest
sons, and the latest information indicates that his mother was
probably Queen Tyti. Why his father's brother rather then he
ascended the throne after Ramesses III's death is
unknown.
The inscriptions on Khaemwaset's fragmentary sarcophagus
indicated that he probably did not die during the reign of
Ramesses III, but rather later during that of Ramesses III's
brother, Ramesses
IV.

Osiris
The walls of the tomb have bas relief decorations, the
painted colors of which remain in outstanding condition and are
of elegant workmanship.
This tomb follows a straight axes with a descending
entrance corridor leading to the first main long room, a
vestibule, with offset annexes to either side. The
vestibule leads directly to a burial chamber with niches and a
read annex.
Right: My the Cat - Guardian of the gates
to the Kingdom of Osiris
As we enter the vestibule, on the left there is an image of
Ptah followed by a scene of Ramesses III and Khaemwaset in
front of Anubis and Re-Harakhty. On the right wall of this
room is the king bringing offerings to Ptah-Sokar along with a
representation of he and Khaemwaset presenting Geb with
offerings of incense prior to being welcomed by the god Shu.
In the annex to the left (east) of this room, we find the
prince alone before deities including Anubis, Horus-Inmutef,
Selkis and Neith, and another scene of
Nephthys and Isis in
the presence of Osiris.
Isis
and Nephthys are painted predominantly in yellow, a color
typical of these female deities. In the right annex the prince is shown
with the sons of Horus
and other deities. There are also scenes of Isis in the
presence of Osiris and Nephthys opposite Ptah-Sokaris.
Left: Ramesses III and Khaemwaset
From here, entering the burial chamber, we first find on
the left chapters 145-146 of the Book of the
Dead. Another
scene shows Ramesses III being followed by the prince, and
then we have scenes of the genies guarding the gates of the
kingdom of Osiris (gates 10, 12, 14 and 16). On the rear wall
of the chamber the king presents his son to Sekhenur (The
Great Tightener), My (The Cat), Saupen (The Protector) and Dikesu-uden-bega-per-em-mut
(He Who Imposes Abasement, Who Provokes Weakness and Emerges
as Death).
On the right in this room we also find the chapters 145 and
146 from the Book of the Dead, the prince following the king
but this time the gate watchers have opened the way for the prince.
, These genies guarding the gates of the kingdom of Osiris
include Dendeni "the Furious", guarding gate 9,
Pefesakuef The one who inflames his brazier" guarding
gate 11, Hedjiaua and
bird headed Nehes-oer-em-duat (which means, "Vigilant
Face Emerging from Duat")
Right: The Jackal and Lion
In these scenes, Ramesses III followed by his son head
towards the obstacles (gates) to the kingdom of Osiris.
Phaemwaset will have to confront the gatekeepers with magic
spells from the Book of the Dead in order to surmount these
obstacles and enter the afterworld kingdom.
In the rear annex we find a scene of
Anubis the Jackal, a lion and then the king along presenting
offerings to Thoth and Harsiesis,
who was heir to his father, Osiris. Harsiesis is shown with a
falcon head, wearing the atef-crown. To the right are the
genii Nebneru and Khaemwaset who takes on the form of another
genii, Hery-matt and then Ramesses III making
offerings in front of Horus and Shepes. On the rear wall
of this chamber is a double scene of Osiris with green skin
facing Neith (left) and Nephthys (right). Emerging from a blue
lotus flower at Osiris feet are the figures representing the
sons of Horus, Imsety, Duamutef, Qebhsenuef and Hapy.

References:
| Title |
Author |
Date |
Publisher |
Reference Number |
|
Guide to the Valley of the Kings |
Siliotti, Alberto |
1997 |
Barnes & Noble Books |
ISBN 0-7607-0483-x |
|
Valley of the Kings |
Weeks, Kent R. |
2001 |
Friedman/Fairfax |
ISBN 1-5866-3295-7 |
|
Valley of the Kings |
Heyden, A. Van Der |
|
Al Ahram/Elsevier |
|
Archives
|