Statues of Amenemhab and Huwebenef
These statuettes of brothers Amenemhab and Huwebenef were discovered in 1911 by Howard Carter’s Lord Carnarvon Excavations at El-Assasif, Thebes. The figures were found within Tomb CC37 (Hall C, burial 24), placed within the coffin of a woman named Ahhotep Tanodjmu (Ahhotep the sweet) presumed to be the boy’s mother.
The figure of Amenemhab is made of bronze, separate silver lotus, wood base with pigmented inlays and stands at 13cm tall, whereas the statuette of Huwebenef is made of wood, but is larger at 35 cm.
Met Museum. 26.7.1413a, b
This bronze statuette depicts Amenemhab as a young boy, characterized by his nudity and closely cropped head, attributes associated with childhood in ancient Egyptian art. He holds a closed lotus bud against his chest, symbolizing a hope for resurrection. The figure stands at 13 cm tall and is mounted on a wooden base with pigmented inlays.
The figures date from the New Kingdom, from the reigns of Ahmose I–Thutmose II, c. 1550–1479 B.C. They represent Amenemhab and Huwebenef as adolescent boys. We can tell their youth is represented by their nudity, and possibly the slightly biggish heads upon the thin, slender bodies.
Met Museum. 26.7.1414a, b
Similar in style, the statuette of Huwebenef portrays him with a slender body, delicate features, and notably large eyes, typical of early New Kingdom statues. Crafted from wood, it stands at 35 cm tall and includes a separate wooden base inscribed with a funerary dedication by Huwebenef’s father, Djehuty.
Both statuettes were dedicated by their father, Djehuty, and were intended to accompany the deceased in the afterlife, reflecting the ancient Egyptian belief in the importance of such representations for the journey beyond.
Summary:
Statuettes of the boy brothers Amenemhab and Huwebenef, dedicated by their father Djehuty, and discovered within the coffin of their mother, Ahhotep Tanodjmu
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, c. 1550–1479 B.C.
El-Assasif, Thebes.
Met Museum. 26.7.1413a, b. 26.7.1414a, b
