Mastaba tombs were built for the use of high-ranking officials in Egypt's Old Kingdom. The architecture of the Mastaba tombs was very different than a typical pyramid. They were 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. Families of the monarch were buried in these low rectangular brick or stone structures. Like the pyramids, they were built on the west side of the Nile (symbol of death, where the sun falls into the underworld). The first tomb structure which the Egyptians developed was the mastaba, composed of earthen bricks made from soil along the Nile. It provided better protection from scavenging animals and from grave robbers. Initially, these mastaba structures were used to store the earthly possessions of those interred there. However, they were frequently raided by thieves, and so more extensive underground storage was designed, and the mastaba eventually became a solid, rubble filled block. The mastaba usually stood as high as 30 feet and stretched about four times longer than its width. Another hidden object deep within the mastaba was a statue of the person. This was usually well-hidden inside the masonry to protect it. In the hidden chamber, small openings were cut into the walls at the very top. These holes allowed the soul to come and go, which was something essential for its continued existence. Incense, spells and rituals were often performed with the intent of reaching the statue. The first mastabas are largely found at Giza along with the pyramids. In the early period, Egyptians built mastabas to mark the tombs of their deceased. Throughout the Old Kingdom, Egyptians were buried with burial goods that they thought were necessary after death, such as bowls, combs, food, and – for the
wealthier Egyptians – jewelry, furniture, and other valuables.