Relief of King Sneferu in Sinai
The relief tells us of king Snefru’s victory over the Bedouins, a military move that was also common since the times of king Sanakht and which secured the mines for turquoise and copper in Wadi Nash and Wadi Maghareh, west Sinai.
This relief, made of sandstone, shows Sneferu on a large scale, smiting an enemy who kneels, pleading for mercy, before him. The god Horus can be seen opposite Sneferu, wearing the Double Crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, and standing upon a serekh which contains the king’s Horus name – Nebmaat. Sneferu’s further names and titles surround his image.
Sinai was an important source of turquoise and copper to the Egyptians. By smiting the enemies of the region Sneferu is performing one of the roles of the king – securing trade routes through the control of rebellious tribes, from Sinai (Wadi Maghareh).
Old Kingdom, 4th Dynasty, ca. 2600 BC. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 38568
