Relief fragment with two puppies

Two puppies stand side by side with slightly lowered heads, as if hesitating to approach some problem or adversary they cannot yet handle. They must have belonged to a subregister of a larger composition-perhaps a hunt in the desert.

The impression of overlap is achieved by the use of incised lines that slope up into the surface of the relief rather than by actual variations in height. This technique, used from the time of Nyuserre onwards, allowed much easier execution of intricate groupings.

Dogs played a significant role in ancient Egyptian society, both as companions and as symbols in art, religion, and daily life. They were revered for their loyalty, hunting skills, and protective instincts.

Dogs were often kept as pets and were considered loyal companions. They were used for hunting, particularly for tracking and retrieving game, such as birds. They were also kept as guards for homes, tombs, and estates, protecting against intruders and wild animals.

Some tombs contain scenes of dogs hunting or playing, reflecting their importance in the lives of the deceased. In some cases, dogs were mummified and buried with their owners, suggesting a belief in their role in the afterlife.

Old Kingdom, 5th Dynasty, reign of Nyuserre-Unas, ca. 2400-2323 BC. From Pyramid Complex of Amenemhat I, el-Lisht. Now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 09.180.134