1. Scenes from Daily Life:
Tomb walls often featured scenes from the deceased person's daily life, such as hunting, fishing, farming, and various leisure activities. These scenes provided a window into the person's interests and accomplishments during their life.
2. Religious Texts and Spells:
Tombs were considered sacred spaces where the deceased's soul would continue to exist after death. To aid the soul's journey to the afterlife, religious texts and spells were inscribed on the walls. These texts included prayers, hymns, and incantations believed to help the deceased navigate the underworld.
3. Depictions of the Afterlife:
Artists depicted scenes of the afterlife, such as the Field of Reeds (a heavenly paradise), where the deceased would dwell in eternal bliss. These depictions often showed the deceased being welcomed by various deities and enjoying various pleasurable activities.
4. Funerary Rituals:
Tomb walls also depicted various funerary rituals and ceremonies performed during the embalming and burial processes. These carvings served to document and commemorate the rituals and ensured that the deceased received the proper rites for a successful afterlife.
5. Portraits of the Deceased:
Tombs often featured portraits or statues of the deceased, which were believed to serve as a physical representation of the person in the afterlife. These portraits were often accompanied by inscriptions detailing the individual's name, titles, and achievements.
By including these carvings on tomb walls, ancient Egyptians sought to ensure that the deceased would have a comfortable and pleasant afterlife, with all the necessities and comforts they enjoyed in life. These wall decorations also provided valuable insights into the cultural, social, and religious beliefs of ancient Egyptian society.