2-586-485 - © CM Dixon/Heritage Images

Detail from painted wooden scene of two bakers, Egyptian, 12th Dynasty, c1900 BC. Models such as this were placed inside tombs and were intended to capture the most characteristic elements of the process in order that it be continued throughout eternity. This example from Asyut shows only kneading and baking, but the process is still recognizable. From the British Museum's Collection.