Museums with Egyptian collections contain many objects from a funerary or tomb context, mainly because tombs have preserved objects so well. In the 19th century when collecting was at its height, many tombs were emptied of their contents and ultimately found their way into Museum collections. The apparent emphasis on objects of this kind, has led some to suggest that the Egyptians were obsessed with death and others have retorted that the Egyptians were so beloved of life they could not see its end. In both cases they made elaborate preparations for the afterlife.

To this end, there were certain things they had to acquire during their lifetime in order to guarantee their afterlife. Of course, what the Egyptians were also doing was establishing their rank and status in this life, by showing how well equipped they were for the next life.

The basic kit needed included, a tomb, an offering place, a coffin or sarcophagus, mummification of the body, back-up copies of the person either in statue or relief form, food and offerings for sustenance, workers in the afterlife and all the comforts and necessities of the life of an official.

This section looks at the materials and the artistic techniques used to meet those requirements, and the levels of expense which could be involved in each step.