khnumhotep (pronunciation: xaˈnaːmaw-ˈħatpew) and niankhkhnum (pronunciation: nij-daˌnax-xaˈnaːmaw) were ancient egyptian royal servants. they shared the title of overseer of the manicurists in the palace of king nyuserre ini, sixth pharaoh of the fifth dynasty, reigning during the second half of the 25th century bc. they were buried together at saqqara and are listed as "royal confidants" in their joint tomb. they are notable for their unusual depiction in egyptian records, often interpreted as the first recorded same-sex couple, a claim that has met considerable debate.