Mastaba 17 architectural evidence points to King Sneferu as occupant. Mastaba 16 housed Prince Nefermaat, Sneferu's eldest son and vizier Mastaba 17 surpasses Mastaba 16 in quality, positioning, and monumental stone construction Mastaba 17 contains a precision-made granite sarcophagus, whereas all other Meidum sarcophagi are wooden
Mastaba 17 at Meidum surpasses Mastaba 16 (Prince Nefermaat's tomb) in quality, positioning, and monumental stonework. It features a precision granite sarcophagus while other Meidum burials used wood. The chamber was sealed permanently over the completed burial, with no entrance passage. Single burials are rare for high-status men, adding to the intrigue! ⛰️
Key Facts
- Mastaba 16 housed Prince Nefermaat, Sneferu's eldest son and vizier
- Mastaba 17 surpasses Mastaba 16 in quality, positioning, and monumental stone construction
- Mastaba 17 contains a precision-made granite sarcophagus, whereas all other Meidum sarcophagi are wooden
- The burial chamber and passages were built inside a bedrock pit with no entrance passage or vertical shaft
- The mastaba was constructed over the completed burial, leaving no access to the interior
- Mastaba 17 is a single burial, unusual for high-status men who were normally interred with their wives
- Queen Hetepheres' burial goods were moved to an unmarked pit on the east side of the Great Pyramid at Giza
- Mastaba 17 appears to be the last major monument built during Sneferu's reign, suggesting Meidum was not abandoned as a necropolis
Related site: Mastaba K2 (Beit Khallaf) — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: EXCLUSIVE: Pyramid King's Face Reconstructed: Sneferu Revealed! by Ancient Architects