MPEG models of the tomb in monochrome shade(1.1MB) and the tomb with the coloured wall panels(1.2MB)
A selection of JPEG still images of the Tarkhan Valley
Background information on the Tarkhan Tombs
The Impact of 3D VR Reconstructions: Tarkhan
Question - Colour in architecture: were the great tombs monochrome or polychrome?
Comments on the model: The model is large in terms of its scale as well as its file size; with the reconstruction of the numerous tombs and the topography mapping being the most time consuming procedures. The coloured panel has been saved in lower resolution JPEG file to avoid intensive computation, but the effect is quite remarkable.
Evidence: Petrie found and excavated at Tarkhan several great mastabas decorated with a palace facade, also known from other First Dynasty sites. Some mastabas at Tarkhan were relatively well preserved while other were almost totally destroyed. The general reconstruction of these tombs is not problematic in terms of structure, because of well-preserved examples here and other sites. Only for the roof there might be some questions: the vaulted roof and the straight endings are typical for the contemporary wooden coffins, decorated with a palace facade. Another open question is the colour. Similar tombs at Saqqara are painted.
Does the Tarkhan question emerge from the pages?
Does the reconstruction help you learn about the site, or impose itself as reality?
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