18th Dynasty

Wife of Mentuhotep II

This upper part of a painted limestone statue depicting a woman in an elaborate wig, linen white dress, and honey yellow skin was discovered at Deir el-Bahari, within the remnants of the Temple of Mentuhotep II. It is more than likely she was a wife of the king. King Mentuhotep II is attributed with reunifying...

Family statue of a man called Wah-Ib "Jeweller of Amun", wife Teri

Family statue of a man called Wah-Ib “Jeweller of Amun”, wife Teri

This family portrait comes from the reign of Amenhotep III. The artistic style of the piece is reminiscent of other pieces from the Late 18th Dynasty era, in which after a lustrous and inspiring reign, Amenhotep III’s lineage took hold with Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten), leading to the eventual collapse of the 18th Dynasty’s Golden Age...

Ushabti of king Akhenaten

Akhenaten Ushabti

Ushabti of king Akhenaten from Amarna (ancient Akhetaten – Akhenaten’s experimental ‘new capital’ that was dismantled upon his death. A Ushabti was a figurine representing the deceased that would help with duties in the Afterlife. A Ushabti (Egyptian: wšbtj or šwbtj) was a funerary figure in the form of the likeness of the deceased, and...

Face from a coffin

Face from a coffin

This face from a coffin is made of wood and paint still remains. The face has a slight soft smile. It dates from the New Kingdom Period’s 18th Dynasty (c.1300-1400 B.C.), and is currently under the ownership of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, in Vienna, Austria. The mummies of the ancient Egyptian elite were placed into wooden...

Statue of Senenmut holding Neferure, daughter of Queen Hatshepsut

Statue of Senenmut holding Neferure

This standing statue of Senenmut holding Princess Neferure, daughter of Queen Hatshepsut, seems to be unique. Most of us are familiar with the block and seated (tutor) statues of Senenmut and Neferure. The statue was found in Karnak and was a gift from the Queen. The inscriptions are given in detail in breasted ancient records...

Cosmetic Vase with Names of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye

Cosmetic Vase with Names of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye

This cosmetic vase contains the names of King Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye. It is possible that it originally contained some kind of expensive cosmetic, possibly kohl, oil, or perfume. The vessel’s shape imitates a bag or a sack. It was a popular shape during the 18th Dynasty in pottery, stone, painted wood (to imitate...

The mummy of Yuya, Grandfather of Akhenaten

The mummy of Yuya was found partially wrapped with only his torso being divested of wrappings by ancient robbers. When the body of Yuya was removed from his innermost coffin, a partially strung necklace composed of large gold and lapis lazuli beads was found behind his neck, where it had presumably fallen after being snapped...

Amarna Princess Perfume Bottle

This perfume bottle, with a depiction of an Amarna princess stood upon a lotus blossom, is in the shape of a hes-vase. It is made from Egyptian alabaster, with an inlay of coloured glass, carnelian, obsidian and gold. A hes-vase is named after the “hes” hieroglyph. The hes-vase was used as a libation vessel, meaning,...

Tomb of Menna

Women carrying offerings, depicted within the Tomb of Menna (TT69). New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, c. 1550-1292 B.C. Sheikh Abd el-Qurna, West Thebes. Menna was a Scribe and carried a number of titles associated with the agricultural estates of the Temple of Karnak and the Pharaoh. (this post is currently under construction, come back in the...