Bust of Neferhotep I

Based on the style of this bust, it has been dated to the second half of 13th Dynasty, during the reigns of Userkare Khendjer to Khasekhemre Neferhotep I (ca. 1764-1731 BC). He is one of the most powerful kings of this dynasty.

The upper part of this life-sized statue was found at the temple of Osiris at Abydos, which shows a king who was most likely seated on a throne! The lower part of his body would have had an inscription with the name of the king, but it has not yet been identified.

In this bust, King Neferhotep I wears a striped fabric nemes headdress that was probably supported by a lightweight framework. Its two lappets lie on each side of the chest, and the back was gathered into a tail along the spine.

Colored representations show that the nemes was striped blue and gold. The royal cobra uraeus that decorated the forehead represents a protective deity that spit fire at the king’s enemies.

Middle Kingdom, 13th Dynasty, ca. 1803-1649 BC. Quartzite. Size: Width: 43 cm (16.9 in) Height: 64 cm (25.2 in) Depth: 31 cm (12.2 in). Now in the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago. E 8303