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Superintendent of the Granary, Irukaptah

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

This statue functioned as a place for Irukaptah to receive offerings from this world to convey to the next world. The Egyptians believed that the ka-soul could inhabit a statue like this. Scenes of offering carved on the sides of this chair show men offering fowl, linen, and food in containers. On the back, two women offer objects in a chest and perhaps bread. These scenes substitute for or augment scenes of offerings that were carved on the walls of the tomb.
MEDIUM Limestone
  • Reportedly From: Saqqara, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 2455–2425 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 5
    PERIOD Old Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 29 1/2 × 11 1/2 × 17 in., 178.5 lb. (74.9 × 29.2 × 43.2 cm, 80.97kg)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.20E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Limestone seated figure of a man. Hands in the “Chephren” pose. He wears a triangular kilt. Sides and rear of seat decorated with figures in relief. This statue has been identified as a representation of Irukaptah: a man known from, among other things, 37.17E, 37.18E, and 37.19E. Condition: The nose is missing and the face much pit-marked. The right hand corner of the skirt is missing as well. No traces of paint survive. Minor scratches and chips on all surfaces – especially the chest and pectorals. Right rear corner of seat is missing.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Superintendent of the Granary, Irukaptah, ca. 2455–2425 B.C.E. Limestone, 29 1/2 × 11 1/2 × 17 in., 178.5 lb. (74.9 × 29.2 × 43.2 cm, 80.97kg). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.20E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 37.20E_PS9.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 37.20E_PS9.jpg., 2018
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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