A joint Egyptian-German mission has unsealed the tomb of Ameny-Seneb, a high-ranking Middle Kingdom official who held the unique title of “Master of the Royal Aviary.” Located near the Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III in Dahshur, the tomb features vibrant wall paintings depicting dozens of identifiable bird species, ranging from migratory herons to domesticated quails. The murals are executed in a rare naturalistic style that provides a biological catalog of ancient Egyptian fauna.
In a surprising twist, the burial chamber contained several intact ritual bird traps made of braided flax and papyrus, along with specialized feeding bowls. Perhaps the most significant find is a collection of ostrich and ibis eggshells inscribed with early veterinary notations regarding incubation periods. This discovery highlights the importance of aviculture in the royal courts, where birds were raised for both sacrificial offerings and palace gardens during the 12th Dynasty.