On the eastern wall of the offering chamber, 
          the identical pair are shown in the most intimate embrace possible within 
          the canons of ancient Egyptian art. Niankhkhnum is on the right grasping 
          his companion's right forearm; Khnumhotep, on the left, has his left 
          arm across the other man's back, tightly clasping his shoulder. Again 
          the tips of the men's noses are touching and this time their torsos 
          are so close together that the knots on the belts of their kilts appear 
          to be touching, perhaps even tied together. Here, in the innermost private 
          part of their joint-tomb, the two men stand in an embrace meant to last 
          for eternity.
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        ©1999 Greg Reeder  |