Songs of the harpist

A blind harpist performs in the foreground, evoking a more ramesside vibe. The Egyptians never quite figured out how to depict characters sitting cross-legged, and this one is no exception, if we look at the foot for example. Under the ramessides, the “songs of the harpist,” which are inherently gloomy about life after death, could play a crucial role (as in Inerkhaou, TT359). A curving line in the place of the eye signifies blindness, while the half-open mouth indicates that the man is singing, or more likely, chanting a text. He is depicted in profile, with the folds of his stomach clearly apparent. He is not sitting on a mat like the other visitors, but rather on the floor. He’s bald, as is commonly the case, but he wears an ointment cone on his head.

Quality females sit on their heels on a mat behind him. They are dressed up in their finest and depicted in a variety of positions. Three people are kneeling side by side in the rear, and it takes all of the artist’s skill to differentiate them despite their similarities. The small servant adjusts her earring while nakedly leaning towards one of the ladies. The first guest in the front inhales the aroma of a lotus flower, while the one next to her, who is facing back, reaches out a fruit to the third, who is also facing back with his left arm. then give the same fruit to the lady in the seat behind her. As a result, the explanation is simple: The first woman takes a seat in front of the fruit tray and passes the fruits to her neighbour from behind.