This relief depicts Akhty-hotep, an Old Kingdom official, in a simple wrapped kilt and a short, curly wig. The tall walking stick and paddlelike baton indicate his official status. Akhty-hotep's name appears in hieroglyphs in front of his face and also, partially preserved, above him to the left. Egyptians believed that, in addition to tomb statues, images like this one could house the dead owner's spirit. The high, bold carving typifies relief of the early Old Kingdom.
