Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art: Statue of Nykara and his Family

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Statue of Nykara and his Family

This family statue depicts Nykara, who was a scribe of the granary, seated between the standing figures of his son, Ankhmara, and his wife, Khuen-nub. Beneath the central part of Khuen-nub's short wig, her natural hair is indicated by horizontal lines and a row of stylized curls. The boy's nakedness, sidelock of hair, and finger-to-mouth gesture indicate that he is very young, but he is depicted as the same height as his mother. And, if Nykara were shown standing, he would tower over his two companions. Although Old Kingdom group statues often show the man on a larger scale, this particular composition seems also to reflect the sculptor's desire to show all three heads in a row.


• Medium: Limestone, painted
• Place Made: Egypt
• Dates: ca. 2455-2350 B.C.E.
• Dynasty: late V Dynasty
• Period: Old Kingdom
• Dimensions: 22 5/8 x 14 1/2 x 10 7/8 in. (57.5 x 36.8 x 27.7 cm)
• Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
• Accession Number: 49.215
• Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
• Image: Overall, 49.215_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Statue of Nykara and his Family, ca. 2455-2350 B.C.E. Limestone, painted, 22 5/8 x 14 1/2 x 10 7/8 in. (57.5 x 36.8 x 27.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 49.215 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 49.215_SL1.jpg)