This wall painting from the tomb of the treasury official Sebekhotep depicts a Nubian diplomatic mission bringing tribute to the Egyptian court. The exchange of gifts between rulers was an important element of ancient diplomacy, allowing nations to display their wealth and generosity at the same time as accessing the commodities they needed. Paintings like this provide a wealth of information about Egypt’s economy and its relations with neighbouring lands.
Tomb of Sebekhotep, Thebes, Egypt
about 1400 BC
Egypt, 18th Dynasty
painted plaster
height: 71 cm (max)
width: 61 cm (max)
British Museum
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