Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art: Funerary Stela of Heku

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Funerary Stela of Heku

Unlike nearly every other work of Egyptian art, this stela is signed by the artist. The deeply cut inscription beneath the lower register names “the sculptor Nefertem.” He was probably allowed to add his name as compensation for his work, thus perpetuating his memory for eternity.


• Medium: Limestone
• Reportedly From: Saqqara, Egypt
• Dates: ca. 1836-1759 B.C.E.
• Dynasty: late XII Dynasty
• Period: Middle Kingdom
• Dimensions: 20 1/4 x 12 3/16 x 3 7/16 in. (51.5 x 31 x 8.8 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: 37.1347E
• Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
• Image: Overall, 37.1347E_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Funerary Stela of Heku, ca. 1836-1759 B.C.E. Limestone, 20 1/4 x 12 3/16 x 3 7/16 in. (51.5 x 31 x 8.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1347E (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.1347E_SL1.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Rectangular funerary stela. At the top is a cavetto cornice: at the top and sides are heavy rounded moldings which frame a field decorated with two registers of figures accompanied by inscriptions. In the top register are shown the owner of the stela, a man named Henu, and his son (Ptah-wenef) facing each other across a table of offerings. In the second register two female relatives (Ty-neter-ny and Neferu) are also shown facing each other across a table. Below this register, in the relatively large empty space between the second register and the bottom of the stela, is inscribed: [hieroglyphic inscription]. Condition: Irregular sawing; some chips in edges. Surface dirty.