Offering tables depicting food and drink were placed in tombs to ensure that the deceased had a never ending supply of nourishment in the afterlife. In theory the eldest son was supposed to visit the tomb of his parents every day to make offerings of fresh bread and beer. However most people realised what an arduous task this was and that sons soon failed in their duty. To overcome this offering tables were included in the tomb furniture so that a ready supply of magic food was always available.