Maiherpri The powerful Nubian buried in the valley of Kings

Unfortunately, little is known about Maiherpri, and the only sources found so far that give us a close knowledge about him are the titles discovered within his tomb (KV36). Maiherpri’s name was translated to “lion of the battlefield”, which may refer to his role in the army, and he also has the titles “one who follows the king on his march to foreign countries north and south” and “bearer of the fan at the king’s right hand”. 

Maiherpri was an ancient Egyptian nobleman buried in tomb KV36 in the Valley of the Kings. It is possible that he lived during the reign of Thutmose IV, and received the honor of being buried in the royal cemetery. His name translated as lion of the battlefield. His titles include nursery child and fan bearer on the king’s right side.

There is speculation that the first surname indicates that he was raised in royal custody as a prince of a vassal region, or perhaps he was the son of a lesser wife or concubine of the pharaoh. He was among the first during the New Kingdom to hold the second title, and it is literally true that he was at the pharaoh’s side, most likely as an advisor or bodyguard. This same title was also used to refer to the viceroys of Kush later in the New Kingdom.

When did Maiherpri live?

 

It was never adopted, as King Maiherpri served under him. Although based on the funerary objects and mummification process, this was almost certainly during the New Kingdom period, almost certainly the 18th Dynasty. Some seem certain that it was Thutmose IV (grandfather of Akhenaten, father of Amenhotep III) with whom Maiherpri shared a close bond as fan-bearer and “lion of the battlefield.” However, Maiherpri was also found with a linen shroud bearing Hatshepsut’s cartouche. This has led some Egyptologists such as Steindorff and Keppel to believe that Maiherpri may have lived somewhere between the rules of Hatshepsut’s father Thutmose I to Thutmose III.

Based on some objects, such as a vase found inside the tomb, Gaston Maspero first dated Maiherpri to the reign of Amenhotep II, something that Egyptologist Cyril Aldred agreed with, but Maspero later changed his mind to the reign of Amenhotep III instead, as was There is a striking similarity between the items in tomb KV46, which belonged to Tuya and Yuya (the parents of Amenhotep III’s senior royal wife, Tiye), and those of Maiherpris funerary items.

Dylan Bickerstaffe investigates the discovery and documentation of Tomb KV36 and assesses what we should now know about ‘The Lion of the Battlefield’

During his short tenure as director of the Egyptian Antiquities Authority (August 1897 – late 1899), Victor Loret spent most of his time conducting excavations. The highlight of this was undoubtedly his work in the Valley of the Kings, where, in just over a year, he discovered six new tombs, including those of the pharaohs of the Eighteenth Dynasty – Thutmose III (KV34); Amenhotep II (KV35, which contained the second cache of royal mummies); and Tuthmosis I (KV38) – which proves that the main valley was not just a cemetery for the pharaohs of the Nineteenth and Twenty-first Dynasties, “Raamesid.”

Excavations south of the tomb of Amenhotep II (KV35), and near the main axis of the Valley of the Kings, led to the discovery of a small, undecorated column tomb (KV36). On March 30, 1899, Loret was able to descend from the vertical shaft, look into the single chamber below, and thus became the first to discover a largely intact burial in the Valley of the Kings – the Maherbri Necropolis. Almost the entire floor area of ​​the room was littered with artefacts – clearly disturbed, but relatively intact.

Replica of the “Bed of Osiris” from Tutankhamun’s Tomb and Treasures Gallery with barley sprouting in a bed shaped like Osiris. 

Unfortunately, Loret (who was an extremely diligent excavator and record-taker) was soon forced to resign from the administration and left for France to pursue a lecturing career, leaving the tombs of both Maiherpri and Tuthmosis I unpublished. Until recently, the location of objects within the Maiherpri burial chamber could only be vaguely determined from brief comments in the museum catalog by George Darcy, and from some general points written “for popular consumption” (published in the journal Sphinx) by the German explorer and botanist Georg Schweinfurth, who visited the cemetery while the objects were being removed.

He stated that the lidless coffin was located “upside down in the middle of the room”, but unfortunately he only mentioned the location of most of the items relating to a large box coffin – its location was never stated! He said the game board and related pieces were found “between the coffin and the wall of the room”, with provisions and box wreaths “in the north corner behind”; and that thirteen large storage jars containing embalming materials were “on the wall opposite the coffin.” Other clues were little more than fuel for the imagination: “…weapons and strange artifacts were uncovered in the burial chamber…”

This was the situation facing Egyptologists until 2004, when Patrizia Piacentini of the University of Milan discovered Loret’s notebooks in the archives of the Institut de France – at the Académie des Inscriptions et des Beaux-Lettres in Paris. These drawings were published in La Valle Dei Re Riscoperta (2004). Among the finds were Loret’s annotated sketches, which carefully recorded the location of items within Maiherpri’s tomb and occupied pages 13 to 30 of his second notebook (notebook).

It is clear from these notes that he began by recording the layout of objects visible when first entering the tomb on 30 March 1899, and then made additional notes as the objects were cleared to reveal other objects hidden beneath and behind them.

Who Was Maiherpri?

 

The tomb’s decontamination work was completed on April 2, and the entire funerary collection was prepared and ready for shipment to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo on April 7. There, the museum’s curator, George Darcy, eventually cataloged the items, and confirmed that the burial was that of a courtier: “the fan-bearer to the right of the king”, and the “Child of the Cape”, Maiherpri, whose book and papyrus of the dead showed him to be a dark-skinned young man And curly black hair.

When Darcy unwrapped the mummy (on 22 March 1901) he found that it was a man of about 24 years of age, probably of Nubian origin, with dark skin and curly black hair, confirming the image on the funerary papyrus. However, the identical hair found on the mummy turned out to be a wig, and the facial features were distinctive of the royal house of the Eighteenth Dynasty, leading some commentators to question Maiherpri’s ethnicity. However, the title “Ibn al-Kab” indicates that he was raised and educated in a palace nursery, and was perhaps the son of a king born to a Nubian princess/queen.

In this environment he may have become a close companion of his half-brother, and the eventual heir to the throne. His title of “fan-bearer at the king’s right hand” is that of a particularly favored courtier.

He may have served as a bodyguard in battle, and his name – Maiherpri, “Lion of the Battlefield” – may have been the reality behind Ramesses II’s depiction (as at Abu Simbel) of a lion accompanying his chariot. The amount of archery equipment found in the tomb—including two quivers, a large number of arrows, and two armguards—seems to indicate warfare, in which the Egyptians continually emphasized the importance of archers. However, the presence of two dog collars – one bearing the dog’s name, Tantanuit – may also indicate that Maiherpri sometimes served as the king’s ‘hunting master’.

In February 1902, a team working for Howard Carter (on behalf of American millionaire Theodore Davis) discovered a yellow wooden box bearing Maiherpri’s name and titles, buried in a hollow in the rock above his grave (KV36). Inside were two sheets of very fine leather, carefully cut to form an apron. The box may have been left behind by thieves, who discovered that its contents were not what they had hoped.

Maiherpri Reign?

One question remains: Which king served Maiherpri? Pierced ears, aprons, and the title of “fan-bearer at the king’s right hand” became popular during the reigns of Amenhotep II and Tuthmosis IV; The papyrus resembles the Kha papyrus from the era of Amenhotep III. The date of the burial cannot be before the reign of Hatshepsut, whose name (Matkara) appears on one of Maiherpri’s linen covers. It is clear that this linen could have been used after the king’s death, but it is unlikely that it would have been acceptable after its persecution at the end of Thutmose III’s reign.

In fact, all of the above features can be shown to be consistent with a date in the reign of Thutmose III (especially if Nubian contexts are included), and the funerary mask of Maiherpri is exactly the same style as the mask of Hetenover, the mother of Hatshepsut’s vizier Senenmut. The tomb (KV36) is slightly further away from the tomb of Thutmose III (KV34) than from the tomb of Amenhotep II (KV35), although the latter is separated by a steep ridge. In both cases, the young “lion” was a friend of the warrior pharaoh. 

Maiherpri Mummy

Maiherpri’s grave was discovered in 1899 by Victor Loret. Maherbury’s mummified body was unwrapped by George Darcyon on 22 March 1901, and those who studied the mummy discovered that Maiherpri was extremely well mummified, even with gold foil applied to the incision scar on his hip. Despite the missing skin on the soles of his feet, which Egyptologists believe occurred during the mummification process rather than any theft, Maiherpri’s mummy was in good condition.

Maiherpri’s mummy was decorated with a wig of tight curls sewn into his scalp.

Background and Historical Context

Maiherpri lived during the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom, a period marked by the height of Egyptian imperial power and influence. The 18th Dynasty (circa 1550-1292 BCE) saw Egypt reach its zenith, with a series of strong pharaohs who expanded Egypt’s territory and influence across the ancient Near East and Africa. This era was also notable for the complex relationships Egypt maintained with its neighboring regions, including Nubia (modern-day Sudan).

Nubia, located to the south of Egypt along the Nile River, was a region rich in resources and strategic importance. Throughout the New Kingdom, Egypt engaged in both military campaigns and diplomatic relationships with Nubia. Many Nubians held influential positions in the Egyptian administration and military, reflecting the integration and mutual influence between the two regions.

Maiherpri’s Life and Career

**1. Nubian Origins:

• Maiherpri was a Nubian, a member of the population south of Egypt known for their distinct culture and significant role in Egyptian history. Nubians were often involved in Egyptian affairs, serving in various capacities within the Egyptian state.

**2. Roles and Titles:

• Maiherpri held several important titles, including “Chief of the Bowmen of the King’s Bodyguard” and “Overseer of the Army.” These positions indicate that he was a high-ranking military officer and an esteemed member of the royal guard. His titles suggest he was a key figure in ensuring the security of the pharaoh and maintaining military readiness.

**3. Service Under Pharaoh Thutmose IV:

• Maiherpri served during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose IV (circa 1401-1391 BCE). Thutmose IV is known for his efforts to consolidate power and establish Egypt’s dominance in the region. Maiherpri’s role in the king’s bodyguard and military operations reflects his importance in supporting the pharaoh’s reign and protecting the realm.

The Tomb of Maiherpri (KV36)

**1. Discovery and Excavation:

• The tomb of Maiherpri, designated KV36, is located in the Valley of the Kings, a prestigious burial site for Egyptian royalty and elite. KV36 was discovered in 1903 by the British archaeologist Edward R. Ayrton. The tomb was excavated by the American explorer Theodore M. Davis, who was active in the Valley of the Kings during the early 20th century.

**2. Architecture and Layout:

• KV36 is a relatively modest tomb compared to some of the grander royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. The tomb features a simple layout, including an entrance shaft, a burial chamber, and a series of smaller chambers and corridors. The burial chamber is adorned with intricate wall paintings depicting scenes from the Book of the Dead and other funerary texts, providing valuable insights into Nubian and Egyptian funerary practices.

**3. Decorations and Artifacts:

• The wall decorations in KV36 are significant for their artistic and historical value. The tomb’s walls are decorated with vivid scenes that include Maiherpri’s journey to the afterlife, interactions with deities, and offerings. These scenes are characteristic of the New Kingdom’s funerary art, showcasing the integration of Nubian and Egyptian religious traditions.
• Among the artifacts found in the tomb were canopic jars, a sarcophagus, and various items intended to accompany Maiherpri into the afterlife. These artifacts reflect the high status of the deceased and the importance of providing for his journey to the next world.

The Significance of Maiherpri’s Tomb

**1. Cultural Exchange:

• Maiherpri’s tomb highlights the cultural exchange between Nubia and Egypt during the New Kingdom. The presence of a Nubian high-ranking officer in such a prestigious burial site underscores the deep connections and mutual influence between the two regions. The integration of Nubians into Egyptian society, especially in elite positions, illustrates the extent to which Egypt and Nubia were intertwined during this period.

**2. Religious and Funerary Practices:

• The artifacts and decorations in Maiherpri’s tomb provide valuable information about funerary practices and religious beliefs. The inclusion of traditional Egyptian elements, such as the Book of the Dead, alongside Nubian influences, reflects the blending of cultural and religious practices. This blending highlights the complex nature of identity and belief in ancient Egypt and Nubia.

**3. Historical Insight:

• Maiherpri’s tomb offers historians and archaeologists insights into the role of Nubians within the Egyptian state. His high-ranking positions and the honors bestowed upon him reveal the significant contributions of Nubians to Egyptian military and administrative affairs. Additionally, the tomb’s contents provide a snapshot of the material culture and artistic styles of the period.

Maiherpri and the Broader Context of Nubians in Egypt

**1. Nubian Influence:

• Throughout the New Kingdom, Nubians played influential roles in various aspects of Egyptian life. They served as soldiers, administrators, and diplomats, and their integration into Egyptian society was a testament to the complex relationships between Egypt and Nubia. Nubians were valued for their military prowess and their contributions to Egypt’s expansionist policies.

**2. The Role of Nubian Leaders:

• Nubian leaders, such as Maiherpri, were often appointed to high-ranking positions within the Egyptian administration and military. Their roles reflected the importance of Nubia as a strategic ally and a valuable partner in Egypt’s imperial ambitions. These leaders were instrumental in maintaining Egypt’s control over Nubian territories and ensuring the stability of the region.

**3. Interactions with Pharaohs:

• The relationships between Nubian leaders and Egyptian pharaohs were multifaceted. While some Nubian leaders were incorporated into the Egyptian elite, others maintained distinct identities and roles within their own communities. The mutual respect and collaboration between Nubian leaders and Egyptian pharaohs were crucial for the successful management of the Nile Valley region.

The Legacy of Maiherpri

**1. Archaeological Significance:

• Maiherpri’s tomb remains an important archaeological site, offering valuable insights into the interactions between Egypt and Nubia. The artifacts and inscriptions found in the tomb continue to inform scholars about the cultural and political dynamics of the period.

**2. Cultural Heritage:

• Maiherpri’s burial in the Valley of the Kings highlights the cultural heritage of both Nubia and Egypt. His tomb serves as a symbol of the integration and cooperation between these two ancient civilizations, reflecting their shared history and mutual influence.

**3. Ongoing Research:

• Research and exploration of Maiherpri’s tomb and other Nubian sites continue to contribute to our understanding of ancient Egyptian-Nubian relations. Scholars and archaeologists are continually working to uncover new information and reinterpret existing findings, further enriching our knowledge of this fascinating period.