Tomb QV44 is one of several tombs located in the Valley of the Queens and intended for the use of Ramesses III‘s sons. The painted reliefs decorating Khaemwaset E’s tomb illustrate his ritual and symbolic journey in the Afterlife. During this journey, he meets the main gods of that region and the genies who guard the gates of the kingdom of Osiris.
Located in the Valley of the Queens, QV44 is one of several impressive tombs constructed during the Twentieth Dynasty for the sons of Ramesses III. Other notable sites within this royal group include QV55, built for Amun-her-khepeshef. QV53 belongs to Prince Ramesses. Furthermore, QV43 belongs to Seth-her-khopsef. QV42 was constructed for Pareherwenemef. Scholar Friedrich Abitz argues that these princes were symbolically identified with the four Sons of Horus. He also confirms that they were all biological offspring of the King. Notably, the wall decorations and religious reliefs throughout these tombs place a much stronger emphasis on the King performing sacred rituals and guiding them. This emphasis is stronger than on the individual princes themselves.
The tomb
The tomb has a corridor, two side rooms, a second corridor and an inner room. The first part of the corridor is decorated with scenes showing King Ramesses III before various gods and goddesses, including Ptah, Thoth, Anubis, Ra-Harakhty, Geb and more.
The side chambers include scenes of the Sons of Horus and the goddesses Isis, Nephtys, Neith and Serket.
The second corridor includes a scene showing Khaemwaset as an Iunmutef priest. Other scenes depict the Book of Gates.
The inner room is decorated with scenes showing the King before several gods and goddesses. Finds include part of a sarcophagus lid and the remains of Canopic jars.