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Funerary Stela of Renefseneb

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

The nine people represented on this stela all had titles that indicate low-status occupations such as "page," "keeper of the water vessel," "freedwoman of the servants," and "doorkeeper." They may have been members of one extended family, or they may have been faithful retainers of a nobleman who wished to reward their loyalty and service. By having their names and images carved on a stela, each of them was guaranteed eternal life after death.

MEDIUM Limestone
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1759-1630 B.C.E. or later
    DYNASTY Dynasty 13
    PERIOD Middle Kingdom to Second Intermediate Period
    DIMENSIONS 15 15/16 x 11 1/4 x 2 13/16 in. (40.5 x 28.5 x 7.2 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 08.480.176
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Round top limestone funerary stela dedicated to five men and four women. Two figures of Anubis jackal flank central line of inscription at top. Two men in top register, man and two women in second, and two men and two women in lowest register. All figures separated by columns of inscription. Three lines of inscription at base.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Funerary Stela of Renefseneb, ca. 1759-1630 B.C.E. or later. Limestone, 15 15/16 x 11 1/4 x 2 13/16 in. (40.5 x 28.5 x 7.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 08.480.176. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.08.480.176_NegA_print_bw.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.08.480.176_NegA_print_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2014
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