Brooklyn Museum: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art: Relief of Akhethotep

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Relief of Akhethotep

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.

Medium: Limestone
Place Excavated: Saqqara, Egypt
Dates: ca. 2650-2600 B.C.E.
Dynasty: late III Dynasty-early IV Dynasty
Period: Early Old Kingdom
Dimensions: 36 1/8 x 23 11/16 in. (91.8 x 60.2 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: 57.178
Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Image: Overall, 57.178_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph