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Primary sourcePhotographc. 1925

Stone vessels from the tomb of Hetepheres I

George Andrew Reisner · c. 1925

An excavation photograph of stone vessels recovered from the tomb of Hetepheres I, mother of Khufu, at Giza.

Documents vessels from the tomb of Khufu's mother, showing the material wealth surrounding his family.

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Black-and-white photograph of ten pale stone vessels arranged in two rows against a dark background, with a measurement scale bar at the bottom. Vessels vary in shape: some are cylindrical with flared rims, one is a tall pitcher with a spout, and others are squat jars.
George Andrew Reisner, excavation photograph of stone vessels from the tomb of Hetepheres I, Giza, c. 1925.

About this source

What it is

This photograph, taken around 1925 by George Andrew Reisner during the excavation at Giza, shows ten pale stone vessels of varying shapes found in the tomb of Hetepheres I.

Why it matters

Hetepheres I was Khufu's mother, and her tomb contained many objects that reveal the luxury goods available to Egypt's royal family during the Fourth Dynasty. Stone vessels like these were used for oils, cosmetics, or offerings, and their survival helps historians understand daily life and burial customs connected to Khufu's household.

Look closer

  • Why do you think the vessels are arranged carefully with a measuring scale in the photograph?
  • What might the variety of shapes tell you about their different uses?
  • What does this photograph not tell you about how these objects were actually used in life?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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