The iconography of the 5th Dynasty tomb of the two manicurists, Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep, portrays the two men in affectionate and intimate embrace, which continues to provoke discussion. Were they brothers, lovers or friends? There is no clear inscriptional evidence from their tomb or mortal remains indicating their biological relationship.  However, representations of the two men are depicted  much like those of perceived hetero-normative couples of the 4th, 5th and 6th Dynasties.

 

The 12th Dynasty tomb furniture of the eunuch, Nekhtankh, and the wab priest, Khnumnekht, includes evidence that may also indicate their mutual deep affection. Inscriptions from their coffins signify they were siblings but their mortal remains, now in Manchester, contradict that claim.

 

My paper seeks to explore the questions of non-normative sexualities that are suggested by these two ancient Egyptian couples.