Egyptian bas relief - necropolis of Saqqara Mastaba of Ti - farmers leading donkeys to work in the fields

The Ancient Egyptians took advantage of the donkey's endurance and resistance very early on, as can be seen in the scenes depicted in tombs as early as the Old Kingdom.

The role of the donkey in the Egyptian countryside is primordial: it was the donkey that transported the crops, trampled on the ears of corn to separate the grains and could occasionally replace the ox for ploughing in the fields.

The herds of donkeys depicted are made up of males and females, sometimes accompanied by their donkeys.

They are always shown in profile with widely developed ears.

The representations reveal the difficulties encountered by the donkeys when loading their animals: the donkeys, apparently reluctant to be handled, often forced the peasants to use force.