2-586-483 - © CM Dixon/Heritage Images

Cattle brought for inspection: fragment of wall painting from the tomb of Nebamun (no 5), Thebes, Egypt, 18th Dynasty, c1350 BC. A herdsman stands amongst cattle, holding some rope in one hand, and raises the other. His speech is recorded in the hieroglyphs above: 'Come on! Get away! Do not speak in the presence of the praised one! He detests people talking. He does what is right. He will not ignore any complaint. Pass on in quiet and in order. He won't take anyone's side. he knows all the affairs, does the scribe and counter of grain of [Amun], Neb...'. From the British Museum's Collection.