This green-blue glazed compisition figure of Bes was discovered at Abydos, and was originally made to be placed upon a ceremonial staff (cane). It currently resides in the British Museum (EA26267), although not on display. It dates from the 22nd Dynasty, c. 943-720 B.C. Summary:Green-blue glazed cane terminal in the form of Bes22nd Dynasty, c.943-720...
“Mourners shake and pull their hair on reliefs and paintings from ancient Egypt. They took part in funerary ceremonies in ancient Egypt, contributing to the dead’s resurrection in the afterlife. Hair played a clear role in these rites. In this publication Maria Rosa Valdesogo describes the relation between hair and these rites, and the role...
This Ancient Egyptian model boat is almost 4000 years old! It comes from an 11th Dynasty in the Middle Kingdom shaft tomb at Beni Hasan in central Egypt. The tomb belonged to an official called Ja’Y or Tjay – described on his coffin as a Steward or “Controller of the Household”. The wooden boat is...
The outer coffin of Hor belongs to the type known as “qeresu”, i.e., a rectangular box with small pillars, which made its appearance during the 25th Dynasty. It is a “cosmogram”, its vaulted lid representing the sky and the case the earthly realm of Osiris. Its iconography reflects this concept: a cordon of deities is...
This painted wooden statuette is of a woman named Lady Kemtet. It dates from around 1900-1802 B.C., making it a Middle Kingdom piece from around the middle of the 12th Dynasty. The statuette was discovered at the Faiyum Entrance Area of Cemetery B, Tomb 262, in Harageh, Egypt. The inscription upon the base writes as...
This head of King Userkaf was found in his Sun Temple dedicated by him to the god Re at Abusir. The royal head, wearing the Deshret or the Red Crown of Lower Egypt, is a striking example of the style marking the beginning of the 5th Dynasty. When it was discovered, it was first attributed...
This quartzite sandstone statue depicts king Seti II upon his throne, holding a shrine surmounted by a ram’s head, which is associated with the god Amun. The British museum states that this statue is one of the most complete sculptures from the entirety of Ancient Egypt. It is extremely rare to find a statue of...
This pair of socks were made in the 4th to 5th century, and were excavated in Egypt at the end of the 19th century. They have a divided toe and are designed to be worn with sandals. The technique used for making these socks are commonly confused with knitting. They were made in the technique...
The so-called “reserve heads” are exquisitely carved limestone sculptures, believed to be a representation of the heads of tomb owners. These heads, with their remarkably realistic features, skull caps, and despite being stone, an intense gaze, each with a unique expression of serenity or nonchalantness. Their purpose, however, remains a subject of debate. A total...
Pay was a man who lived in the famous workers/artists village of Deir el-Medina, then known as Set Ma’at, which translates to “The Place of Truth”. Pay’s titles tell us that he worked as a draughtsman, a very important role in making sure that both the temples and tombs of the royals and elites of...
