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Wooden sculptures from Ancient Egypt are
exceedingly rare, since fine wood was scarce and
expensive. Like most wooden sculpture dating
from the Old Kingdom, the arms of this sculpture
were carved separately and pegged into place on
the torso. This male figure stands with his left
leg striding forward in the classic stance of a
standing official. The traditional hallmarks of the
Old Kingdom style are clearly evident: an
elongated, slender body, limbs that lack
muscular definition, a slightly oversized head
with large eyes, and a narrow chin with a slightly
smiling mouth. He holds the triangular-shaped
overhang of his long white skirt in his right hand.
His left hand hangs open along his side. His hair
falls in layers of tight curls around his head,
leaving his ears exposed. The wood is painted in
a the traditional polychrome, with the body dark
red, the hair and eyebrows black, the skirt and
fingernails white. In addition, the eyes are
brought to life with large black pupils set against
the whites of the eyes. While similar sculptures
feature hieroglyphic inscriptions that aid in
attributing the identity of the figure, this work
bears no such inscription, leaving the name of
this man a mystery. Who might he have been? A
pharaoh? A priest? A scribe? Surely he was
someone of tremendous importance and great
stature in order to be honored with such a
gorgeous rendition of his being.
For a Similar Example, See the Wooden Statue of
Metjetji in the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art,
Kansas City, MO
- (X.0108)
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