Serdab

A serdab is a small, sealed room or chamber found in ancient Egyptian tombs. These chambers were designed to house a statue of the deceased, often a ka statue, which represented the soul or life force of the individual. The statue was believed to serve as a vessel for the ka to inhabit after death, allowing it to receive the offerings of food and drink presented in the tomb's funerary chapel.

The serdab was typically located within the mastaba, the rectangular tomb structure common during the Old Kingdom. It was usually situated in a hidden or inaccessible location, often behind a false door or within the superstructure. The size of the serdab varied, but it was generally large enough to accommodate the statue. A small aperture or slit in the wall of the serdab, sometimes in the form of eyes, was often incorporated to allow the statue to "see" out into the chapel and observe the rituals and offerings.

The practice of including a serdab and ka statue was particularly prevalent during the Old Kingdom period of Egyptian history, from the 3rd to the 6th Dynasties. The preservation of the statue within the sealed chamber was considered crucial for the deceased's eternal survival and well-being in the afterlife. The discovery of serdabs in many ancient Egyptian tombs has provided valuable insights into their funerary beliefs, artistic practices, and architectural designs.