Egyptian art and architecture from the first three millennia BCE in the Nile Valley regions of Egypt and Nubia often appear blocky and formal, leading to unfavorable comparisons with later, more naturalistic art forms. These works were designed to assist the deceased in the afterlife, with sculptures made from metals like copper and bronze cast using the lost wax method. This art was heavily influenced by the geography of the country and social, religious, and political customs of the time.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts includes nearly 26,000 objects of cultural, historical, and artistic importance. Included in this collection are depictions of brewers, bakers, and butchers carrying out their tasks, guaranteeing eternal sustenance for the deceased. The importance of the butcher in ancient Egyptian culture is notable in these artifacts, as they played a crucial role in maintaining the cultural belief of the afterlife. Overall, ancient Egyptian art and architecture offer a unique insight into the religious and cultural beliefs of the time, with the role of the butcher and other professionals underlining their importance in sustaining these beliefs.
