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Senenu Grinding Grain

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

The royal scribe Senenu appears here bent over a large grinding stone. This unusual sculpture seems to be an elaborate version of a shabti, a funerary figurine placed in the tomb to work in place of the deceased in the hereafter. The hieroglyphic text included Senenu's claim to a blessed afterlife by virtue of his proper behavior toward the king and gods.

MEDIUM Limestone, pigment
  • Reportedly From: Thebes, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1352-1336 B.C.E. or ca. 1322-1319 B.C.E. or ca. 1319-1292 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY late Dynasty 18
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 7 1/16 x 3 1/8 x 7 9/16 in. (18 x 8 x 19.2 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.120E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Statue (limestone) of the King’s scribe Sennu. Sennu is represented, wearing a long kilt with fringed top, leaning over a huge grinder and grinding grain. The texts are inscribed on grinder and base. Condition: Large chips in left edge of base, left buttock and left leg of figure. Large chip in rear of base; numerous small chips and scratches. Blue substance in some signs on right side.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Senenu Grinding Grain, ca. 1352-1336 B.C.E. or ca. 1322-1319 B.C.E. or ca. 1319-1292 B.C.E. Limestone, pigment, 7 1/16 x 3 1/8 x 7 9/16 in. (18 x 8 x 19.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.120E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.37.120E_NegH1_print_bw.jpg)
    IMAGE CUR.37.120E_NegH1_print_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2015
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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