Huya

Chief Steward of the Queen Mother

 Other titles: - Scribe of the Treasuries of Tiye, Overseer of Works in the Palace

The Tomb of Huya (tomb number 1 at Akhetaten)

 

This tomb had a shrine to Huya, one which was less hurriedly prepared than others at Akhetaten. There were also reliefs of a full set of funerary equipment, offerings, mourning men and women, and the last farewell at the door. (There is also the typical Aten-ist prayer for the deceased - that food and water may be left and that Huya's name be remembered).

Other scenes in the tomb show three scenes of Queen Tiye and her daughter Beketaten's visit to Akhetaten in Year 12 - the first being led by Akhenaten into the sunshade temple in Akhetaten, the second and third showing the Royal families sharing a banquet:

Also shown is the Royal Durbar of Year 12 (the other version being in the tomb of Meryre II) which is accompanied by a text (the only example of the tombs at Akhetaten which gives a specific date - Year 12, Month 6, Day 8):

"The appearance of the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Neferkheperure-Wa'enre, and the Chief Queen, Neferneferuaten-Nefertiti, may she live for ever and ever, upon the great golden state palanquin in order to receive the gifts of Syria and Kush, the West and the East, all lands united at the one time, and the Isles in the midst of the Great Green Sea, when they proffered gifts to the King upon the great throne of Akhetaten. Receiving the products of every land and granting them the breath of life".

Also depicted within this tomb is the workshop of the sculptor Auta -it shows him putting the finishing touches to a statue of the princess Beketaten.

Evidence of a Co-Regency?

Other important scenes found in the tomb may also point to evidence of a co-regency between Akhenaten and Amenhotep III. It dates to Year 9 of Akhenaten and consists of two scenes but placed next to each other: one showing Amenhotep III and Tiye, and Akhenaten and his family:

Given that Amenhotep III is shown under the protective rays of the Aten and in the distinctive Amarna art style, it has been taken by some to mean that Amenhotep III did visit (or reside at) Akhetaten. However, it is equally likely that Tiye is shown honouring the image of her dead king.