Definition & Meaning of "offering chapel"

What is an "offering chapel"?

An offering chapel is a small structure found in ancient Egyptian tombs, designed for making offerings to the deceased. These chapels typically featured a flat roof and were often connected to the main burial chamber. Inside the offering chapel, there were altars or shelves where family members and priests could place food, drinks, and other goods as gifts for the deceased. The walls of these chapels were commonly decorated with paintings and inscriptions that depicted scenes of daily life, rituals, and prayers, serving to honor the deceased and ensure their comfort in the afterlife. Offering chapels played a significant role in ancient Egyptian funerary practices, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connection with the deceased.