Egypt Museum

Irukakhufu

Irukakhufu was an Old Kingdom man who held many titles including, “Royal Acquaintance“, “(Royal) Wab-Priest” and “Overseer of the Pyramid-town of Khufu“.

Statue of Irukakhufu
Previously at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 99130.
Now on display at the Cairo International Airport Museum, Terminal 3; Inventory GEM 5337.

Discovered within the serdab of tomb at the Western Cemetery in Giza, known as Lepsius 21, the statue depicts a man in scribe form, who is believed to be Irukakhufu. Two large offering stands made of limestone were also found within the Abu Bakr magazine, which were inscribed for Irukakhufu with; “…identified as [wr mdw Sma] great one of the tens of Upper Egypt”

It is believed Irukakhufu may have usurped Lepsius 20 also, a mastaba that originally belonged to Persen.

The back view of the seated statue of Irukakhufu showcases the talent of the Ancient Egyptian sculptors
The back view of the seated statue showcases the talent of the Ancient Egyptian sculptors, who have created a lifelike male back with dips and curves of the shoulders and shoulder-blades, as well as a spine contour.

Irukakhufu’s name mentions the name Khufu, and his title “Overseer of the Pyramid town of Khufu“, showcases the veneration the king and his memory had over those in the Old Kingdom age both during and after his lifetime.

The statue is carved from limestone and painted.

Remnants of a teal blue showcase where Irukhufu's usekh collar once was painted.
Remnants of a teal blue showcase where Irukhufu’s usekh collar once was painted.
Being depicted as a scribe was a symbolic proclamation of status.
Being depicted as a scribe was a symbolic proclamation of status. To be literate and trust to document words from the highest rankings in society, essentially put you working among those rankings.

Summary:

Painted limestone statue of Irukakhufu “Royal Acquaintance“, “(Royal) Wab-Priest” and “Overseer of the Pyramid-town of Khufu“, in scribe pose.
Old Kingdom, Early 5th Dynasty, c. 2435- 2405 B.C.
Mastaba of Irukakhufu (Lepsius 21), Western Cemetery, Giza.
Previously at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 99130. Now on display at the Cairo International Airport Museum, Terminal 3; Inventory GEM 5337.

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