The Seshemnofer Dilemma: Genealogy and Succession

Abstract

The relationship between the owners of G 4940 and G 5080, whom Junker deemed to be Seshemnofer I and II, respectively, has long been questioned by Egyptologists. Some scholars consider Seshemnofer I to be the father of Seshemnofer II, while others refute this idea because the wife of Seshemnofer I did not have the same name as the mother of Seshemnofer II. Junker raised the possibility that Seshemnofer I was married more than once, and although there is no direct evidence for this, there may be some rather suggestive indirect evidence. Using wall scenes from the tombs of the Seshemnofer family, statuary and other inscriptional evidence, the idea that Seshemnofer I was married multiple times will be reconsidered. This study aims to provide more clarity on the relationship between Seshemnofer I and Seshemnofer II, and highlight the subtleties used by tomb owners to distinguish the different maternities of their children. [Formula: see text]