Murals in the tomb of Sennedjem

Egyptian craftsmen worked collectively in workshops, either connected to the temples or palaces or in the local communities. Sometimes they even lived together in specially constructed on-site villages to work on major projects such as the building of a tomb or palace.

Several of these artisan’s villages have been excavated, including Deir el-Medina near Thebes, home to those who built the Valley of the Kings. Such was the esteem that craftsmen were held in that the best had their own elaborate and highly-decorated tombs.

In Deir el-Medina, the quality of the paintings and furniture in the tomb of Sennedjem is testament to his skills.