The private tomb of Kheruef (Kheruf), TT 192 in the Asasif district, is the largest such tomb on the West Bank at Luxor (ancient Thebes). Even though there is no evidence that Kheruef was ever buried here and it was unfinished, the tomb is one of the most important, both religiously and historically, in the Theban necropolis. It has helped us understand the history of rituals celebrating kingship. The owner was most likely an significant individual who organized the first and third jubilees for Amenhotep III, though he probably died in during the reign of Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten). He was a Royal Scribe and First Herald to the King, he was later appointed Steward to Queen Tiy.
The tomb is entered through a descending corridor that first leads to a large open court with pillared porticoes on both the east and west sides. This is the only portion of the tomb that is decorated. There is a possibility that, though most of the tomb had been constructed, at this point in its decoration the roof collapsed, and work was halted. For some reason, apparently enemies, we are told of Amen, Amenhotep IV and Kheruef, later defaced images of all three.
The most important scenes within the tomb are those on the west wall
of the court. However, in the corridors we find scenes of Kheruef
adoring Ra, Amenhotep IV with Tiy offering wine to Ra-Horakhty and Matt,
Amenhotep IV and Tiy offering incenses before Atum and Hathor, and a
scene of Amenhotep IV adoring Ra- Horakty and also with Amenhotep III
and Tiy.
Perhaps foreign princesses at Amenhotep III's jubilee
On the west wall of the court are a number of elegant
scenes. South of the rear doorway are important scenes that document
Amenhotep III's first jubilee, which was held on the 27th day of the
second month of the third season of his 30th year of rule, according to
the inscriptions. These include separate scenes depicting Kheruef,
Amenhotep III and queen Tiy, along with others. Here, we find, dressed
in his jubilee clothing, Amenhotep II on his throne beside Hathor and
Queen Tiy. The king is awarding Kheruef the gold of Honor. We also find a
scene of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiy leaving their palace and another
scene where the king and queen, along with Kheruef, are being towed in a
boat and met by their daughters and a number of priests. Another scene
shows singers, dancers and musicians, including the first known
occurrence of a round drum, or tambourine.
To the north of the rear door of the court we find similarly styled
scenes depicting Amenhotep III's third jubilee. This took place in his
37th year, and one important scene depicts the raising of the
djed-pillar by the king and priests. This ritual is accompanied by
singers, dancers, bought from the Western Desert Oases, as well as
ritual combat involving boxing and stick fencing.
Dancers and Flutists taking part in Amenhotep III's Jubile
The erection of the Tet(Djed)-pillar was performed on the Thirtieth day of Khoiakh, as the final rite within the festival of this month. It was a symbol of stability and the act of erecting it on this day probably represented the resurrection of Osiris and the rebirth and accession of the new king. The Tet(Djed)-pillar was one of the most significant symbols of the Egyptian religion. It symbolized the idea of stability and duration.
Also on this wall are scenes of cattle and donkeys ritually walking
around the walls of Memphis, and the preparation and transport of
offerings. All of these scenes were so important to the ancient priests
that a thousand years later they surrounded these images with a wall and
still visited this tomb.
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