Statue of Nykara and his Family

This family statue depicts Nykara, whose title is Scribe of the Granary, seated between the two standing figures of his wife and son.

If Nykara were shown standing, his dimensions are such that he would tower over the other two figures. Also, although the boy’s nakedness, sidelock of youth, and finger-to-mouth gesture indicate that he is very young, he is depicted as the same height as his mother. These disproportions apparently resulted from the sculptor’s desire to show all three heads in a row.

Painted limestone triad. In center, seated, the [crossed out: overseer] inspector of the scribes of the granary, Ni-ka-re; at his left, standing, his wife, the royal relative, Ni-ka.w-nb (.w); on opposite side standing figure of (his son), the scribe of the granary, Ankh-ma-re, naked, with right hand to mouth. Plinth at rear running up to center of heads.

Inscribed single column on each side of seat and two lines on base in front of each standing figure. All heads broken from bodies. Head of central figure damaged; other two heads more or less damaged. Front part of base broken in several pieces, minor chips. Considerable loss of color.

Old Kingdom, late 5th Dynasty, ca. 2455-2350 BC. Painted limestone. From Saqqara necropolis. Now in the Brooklyn Museum. 49.215