Ancient Egyptian Families

Grade level: Elementary

Objectives for students:
· to begin to learn that most people, both in the present and in the past, are part of a family and that family members are interdependent

· to learn that the many images of families in Egyptian tombs show how important the presence of family was to the Egyptians, not only in life but in the afterlife

· to see how artists use gesture and pose to express feelings

Visual materials
The visual materials listed below are in an order that develops the progression of the lesson.

Nikare and his family
Yuny and his wife, Renenutet
Menna and his family fishing and fowling
Stela of a Middle Kingdom official
West wall from a chapel built by Sety I for his father, Ramesses I

Advance preparation
Please read about ancient Egyptians' Vision of a Life after Death, families, and People of Ancient Egypt.
You may want to intersperse some of the class activities listed below with looking at the images.

Class discussion
Have a discussion with the students about families, especially their family and families they know. What are the special activities they like to do with their family? This could develop into an art and writing activity.

Begin discussions about each work of art by asking the class to describe what they see.

Look at Nikare and his family; observe how the sculptor has shown family dynamics and feelings. Who do you think made most of the important decisions in this particular family? Explain.

Compare Nikare's family group with Yuny and his wife, Renenutet. Note the styles of wigs and costume. Where is Yuny's right arm? What has the sculptor included to show that this man and woman are husband and wife?

The original scene of Menna and his family fishing and fowling was painted directly on a wall of his tomb in the belief that by magic Menna could enjoy good times with his family forever. Observe how the artist showed family affection and support. What sports do you and your family participate in together?

In the scene depicted on Stela of a Middle Kingdom official, the official's family offers him a banquet so that he will continue to have energy in the afterlife. Being remembered by one's family was very important to the ancient Egyptians. How do we remember people in our families who have died (stories of what they did, photos, grave sites, et cetera)?

In the scene on West wall from a chapel built by Sety I for his father, Ramesses I, both father and son make offerings to the gods so that the spirit of Ramesses I will be protected and nourished forever. The Egyptians believed many of their gods were members of a family (for example, Osiris, Isis, and Horus) who protected and cared for one another. On the right the goddess Isis raises her hands in adoration toward a special symbol of her husband, Osiris, who was believed to be king of the afterlife.

Related Activities
Family Relationships
On the Wall (emphasizing family outings and groupings)