mastaba

mas·ta·ba

noun \ˈmas-tə-bə\

Definition of MASTABA

: an Egyptian tomb of the time of the Memphite dynasties that is oblong in shape with sloping sides and a flat roof

Origin of MASTABA

Arabic maṣṭaba stone bench

First Known Use: 1882

mastaba

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

(Arabic: “bench”) Rectangular superstructure of ancient Egyptian tombs, built of mud brick or, later, stone, with sloping walls and a flat roof. A deep shaft descended to the underground burial chamber. Old Kingdom mastabas were used chiefly for nonroyal burials. Storage chambers were stocked with food and equipment, and walls were often decorated with scenes showing the deceased's expected daily activities. What had earlier been a niche on the side grew into a chapel with an offering table and a false door through which the spirit of the deceased could leave and enter the burial chamber.