Food and Drink in the Early Egyptian Funeral Tradition : the Case of Tell el‑Farkha

The site of Tell el‑Farkha is located in the Eastern Nile Delta. The Polish Archaeological Expedition to the Eastern Nile Delta’s excavation project conducted there revealed over 150 graves with various remains of food offerings dated to the 4th millennium BC. Some of the goods were found in the form of actual ready-to-eat dishes; the presence of others is only suggested by particular types of pottery packaging, and some seem to be substituted by symbolic items. The popularity and diversity of food and drink (for example wine, beer, bread, cereals, meat, or fish) deposited in tombs evolved over time reflecting deeper changes within early Egyptian society. The picture is complemented by comparative data from settlement layers, which proves that edibles offered to the dead were local products. In order to illustrate this kind of activity, examples of brewing and bread baking facilities are briefly discussed. Finally, some reconstructed food production processes, believed to have been practiced at the site, are presented.