In 1360 BC Tjel was a powerful man. He was Major of Memphis, his wife Ipay was Nurse of the King, and their close relationship with the pharaoh enabled them to prepare for themselves a lavish burial.
Tjel and Ipay lived during the reign of Amenhotep III, one of the richest times in Egyptian history. The empire was vast and secure, tribute poured in from neighbouring states, eager to demonstrate their loyalty and court the kings favour, and his favoured subjects enjoyed great privileges.
For their burials, Tjel commissioned two large shabti-shaped figured, depicting the couple as mummified.
Their statues now reside in the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden.
