Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art: Nes-Peka-Shuti Relief: Reliefs

Nes-Peka-Shuti Relief: Reliefs

Nespaqashuty, the vizier of Upper (southern) Egypt early in the Twenty-sixth Dynasty, was one of the two most important officials in the land. He began a large tomb for himself at Thebes, but he died before it was finished. The relief decoration had begun to be carved on blocks of fine limestone that lined the poor stone of the walls. A few of the reliefs were finished, but many had just been carved in outline and others had only been drawn in red. In later centuries, many of the blocks fell or were pulled from the walls and some were burned to make lime. The surviving scenes on these blocks show a row of offering bearers eternally bringing food and other necessities. Above them are scenes of a boat trip to the temple of the god of the dead, Osiris, at Abydos, and groups of male and female mourners at Nespaqashuty's funeral.


This text refers to these objects: 68.1; 52.131.10; 52.131.3; 52.131.4; 52.131.5; 52.131.6; 52.131.7; 52.131.8; 52.131.9; 52.131.11; 52.131.12; 52.131.13; 52.131.14; 52.131.15; 52.131.16; 52.131.17; 52.131.18; 52.131.19; 52.131.20; 52.131.21; 52.131.22; 52.131.23; 52.131.24; 52.131.25; 52.131.26; 52.131.27; 52.131.28; 52.131.29; 52.131.30; 52.131.31; 52.131.32

• Medium: Limestone
• Place Found: Thebes (Deir el Bahri), Egypt
• Dates: ca. 664-610 B.C.E.
• Dynasty: XXVI Dynasty
• Period: Late Period
• Dimensions: 8 7/8 x 20 7/8 in. (22.5 x 53 cm)
• Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Temples and Tombs, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor
• Accession Number: 52.131.26
• Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
• Catalogue Description: Bottom register (in three courses) from west wall, tomb of Nes-peka-shuti. Series of female servants walking to the left and bearing food offerings. One leads a miniature bull. Raised relief. Figures separated by usual column of inscription giving name and titles of owner. Fine if conventional work. Blocks .30 and .31 preserve feet of the male mourners represented in second register-the scene was an exceptionally long one. Portion of upper edge of .31 sawn off and attached to 52.131.2. Condition: Left end of register badly damaged with numerous gaps. Reliefs assembled from numerous fragments.