Mastaba of Kaninisut, Ancient burial structure in Giza, Egypt.
The Mastaba of Kaninisut is a rectangular burial structure in Giza measuring roughly 24 meters long and 10 meters wide. A vertical shaft descends to a rock-cut chamber that once held the remains of this state official.
This tomb dates from 2475-2440 BC during the Fourth Dynasty of Egypt's Old Kingdom. It belonged to a high-ranking official who held important titles in the administration of the pharaoh.
The white limestone walls display raised reliefs showing offerings, funerary rituals, and scenes of Kaninisut at ceremonial meals with an offering table. These carvings provide insight into the religious practices and daily life of Egyptian officials.
The cult chamber of this tomb is now housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, where visitors can examine the ancient Egyptian architecture up close. Those wishing to see the site itself in Giza should prepare for strong sun exposure.
The reliefs show Kaninisut as a merchant overseeing Nile shipments and managing administrative duties across several regions. These scenes reveal the far-reaching trade networks and the importance of water transport in Egyptian commerce.
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