This great VI Dynasty mastaba is situated east of the mastabas of Mereruka and Kagemni just north of the temenos wall of the Teti Pyramid complex, in a quiet location that adds to its appeal with Mereruka / Kagemni being over run at times by in the main disinterested tourists I always seek sanctuary and recharge my batteries as it were. Clean wind blown sand has begun to engulf the entrance, it really is a magical place still unspoilt.

Initially excavated by Cecil M Firth in 1922/1923 with Battiscombe Gunn again as his epigraphist although unpublished until 1953 when T.G.H James completed the thirtieth memoir for the Egypt Exploration Society in collaboration with M.R.Apted.

Khentikas titles of which 52 are known to us include Hereditary Prince, Count, Sole Companion, Real Chief Justice and Vizier, Inspector of Prophets of the Pyramid

"One enduring of beauty is Pepi". All the titles are listed on pages 9/10 of the thirtieth memoir.

Photo 1 : Looking south to the Teti Pyramid corner of the tomb. Hieroglyphs: Real Chief Justice And Vizier

Photo 4 : The doorway exhibits two back-to-back figures of Khentika both sat on low backed chairs with back cushions, both holding staff and sceptre. One figure has a full wig the other a short-cropped wig. Hieroglyphs: The left inscription states, the Chief Lector Priest Khentika whose good name in Ikhekhi. The right inscription states, the Hereditary Prince Khentika whose good name is Ikhekni

The encroaching sand inevitably covers the ancient inscriptions. Notice the same photo different time of the day and year

Hieroglyphs: (1) A boon, which the King gives, a boon, which Anubis who is upon his hill, gives, he is to be buried in the Necropolis. (2) A boon, which King gives, a boon which Osiris, Lord of Busiris, gives, invocation offerings are to be made for him daily. (3) The Inspector of the Prophets of the Pyramid, "one steadfast of places is Teti", Hereditary Prince, Count. (4) Sole companion, Lector Priest, Embalmer Priest of Anubis, Anubis. (5) One revered by Anubis, who is upon his hill, who is the town of WT, lord of the sacred land Ikhekhi.

Alan M Fildes