Nehy

Inscription: Everything which goes forth before the lords of the necropolis: bread, beer, oxen and fowl, wine, incense, libation-water and all good and pure things for the Ka of the Osiris, the Mistress of the House, the Chantress of the Mistress of Heaven, She of the Southern Sycamore (Hathor), Nehy, True of Voice.

Nehy was a Chantress and her occupation is clearly made noticeable in this depiction of her, by the sistrum held over her chest. A sistrum was an Ancient Egyptian rattle made with symbols and shaken in worship of Hathor.


Depicted in the finest of pleated linens, Nehy was clearly a woman of status to afford a commission statue in her honour and likeness. Her wig is adorned with beautiful decorations and is of the highest quality, with countless plaits cascading down her front and back. She stares ahead as she holds the sistrum, a tool of her trade, close to her chest.

Along the length of her thighs and legs, down the centre of her pleated dress, is an inscription full of dedication and tribute with nods to her profession as a Chantress in the temples

Most likely this statue, one of two known, graced a tomb at Saqqara, the ancient necropolis of Memphis..

Summary:
Limestone seated statue of the Chantress Nehy
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, c. 1250-1230 B.C.
From Saqqara. Now at the Walters Art Museum. 22.106