Gifts from the Keftiu, Tomb of Rekhmire 1479 BC

Nina de Garis Davies created this watercolor facsimile of a wall painting in the Tomb of Rekhmire, capturing a scene of tribute bearers. The original was painted on plaster, a common technique in ancient Egyptian art, offering a smooth surface for detailed work. Davies’s copy allows us to appreciate the vibrant materiality of the original. Look closely at the depictions of vessels and goods brought as gifts. The textures and forms suggest a society rich in craft traditions, from pottery and metalworking to weaving. The act of presenting these gifts speaks to a complex social structure, where labor and skill were valued and exchanged. Davies’s work invites us to consider the relationship between the original artisans and the materials they skillfully transformed. By focusing on the modes of production, we gain a deeper insight into the cultural values embedded within the artwork, blurring the lines between art, craft, and social history.