Servants
Considerable numbers of people made their living as washermen and women, porters, maids, weavers and cooks. The tombs of the rich and famous are filled with images of servants, often named, who accompany their mistress or master into the next life.
Porters are often depicted very realistically - was this because the wealthy got to know their porters fairly well, as modern government officials might become friendly with their drivers, pilots, and bodyguards? Statues or reliefs showing hard work, such as tending the fire while bread pots are prepared, are often sadly realistic and truly sympathetic. With bread and beer the staff of life for this world and the next, many women must have spent their lives grinding grain, brewing and baking.
