When the mastaba was reconstructed the archaeologists found two hieroglyphic inscriptions, one for each of the men who shared the tomb. Each inscription was the same, though each was addressed to one of the men- the right for Niankhkhnum and the left for Khnumhotep. These men also shared titles in the palace of King Niuserre of the Fifth Dynasty. The shared titles were "Overseer of the Manicurists in the Palace of the King, King's Acquaintance and Royal Confidant."
Throughout the tomb there are scenes of the men embracing each other. It has long been debated as to what their relationship was; brothers, twins, close friends, lovers, or all of the above. Whatever their relationship was, it is obvious from the scenes that they were close. Even their names show their closeness. It is unclear when they changed their names, however the names they took have been translated. Niankhkhnum means "joined to life" and Khnumhotep means "joined to 'the blessed state of the dead'" and together the names can be translated as "joined in life and joined in death"
They were so close, in fact, that there is a scene showing them in the most intimate embrace possible in Ancient Egyptian art. Niankhkhnum holding Khnumhotep's right forearm and with Khnumhotep's hand on Niankhkhum's left shoulder; the tips of their noses touching. One of the interesting aspects of this picture is that the waist ties of their kilts appear to be tied together, perhaps symbolizing their unity.
From some of the other pictures in the tomb it is known that Niankhkhnum had been married in life, and had children. It is believed that the pictures of the wife were scratched out so the men could be the main guests of honor in the tomb.
