Pyramids & tombs · Luxor
Tomb of pabasa
A steward's grand Saite tomb in Asasif
- City
- Luxor
- Type
- Pyramids & tombs
- Era
- Late Period, 26th Dynasty (Saite), c. 664–525 BC
Overview
The Tomb of Pabasa, catalogued as TT279, is a monumental private tomb in the Asasif necropolis on Luxor's West Bank, close to Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahari. It belonged to Pabasa, a high official who served as Chief Steward of the God's Wife of Amun, one of the most influential religious offices of the Late Period. The tomb dates to the 26th Dynasty, the Saite era, when Theban elites revived and reinterpreted older traditions.
Like other large Asasif tombs, Pabasa's monument was planned on an ambitious scale. It includes a sunken courtyard, pillared spaces and chambers and corridors leading below ground. Its decoration reflects the archaizing taste of the Saite age, drawing on Old and Middle Kingdom models. Carved scenes show offerings, funerary and religious themes, and aspects of daily life such as farming and food production, all rendered with careful craftsmanship.
Because it lies away from the main crowds of the Valley of the Kings, TT279 offers a quieter look at elite burial culture in Late Period Thebes. It combines well with a visit to Deir el-Bahari and other nearby Asasif tombs, such as that of Kheruef. Specialists value it as evidence of the wealth, titles and religious networks surrounding the God's Wife of Amun.
What to see
- 01The large sunken courtyard that marks the tomb's monumental scale
- 02Finely carved relief scenes of offerings and daily life, including farming and food production
- 03Archaizing Saite-style decoration inspired by Old and Middle Kingdom models
- 04Underground chambers and corridors showing the layout of a Late Period elite tomb
Visitor tips
- Visit early in the day, when the West Bank is cooler, and combine TT279 with Deir el-Bahari and nearby Asasif tombs.
- Confirm ticket arrangements and photography rules at the official ticket office or with the site custodian, as they can change.
- Wear sturdy, flat shoes and avoid touching the painted and carved walls, since lower passages can be uneven and the surfaces are fragile.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Pabasa?
Pabasa was a high-ranking official of the 26th Dynasty who served as Chief Steward of the God's Wife of Amun, an important religious office at Thebes. His large tomb reflects his wealth and status.
Where is the Tomb of Pabasa located?
It is tomb TT279 in the Asasif necropolis on the West Bank of Luxor, near the Deir el-Bahari area and Hatshepsut's temple.
What makes the Tomb of Pabasa special?
It is one of the largest private tombs of the Saite period at Thebes. It is known for its sunken courtyard, underground chambers and archaizing relief decoration.
