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Sheet from an Amduat: What is in the Netherworld

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

This vignette comes from a papyrus that belonged to an official named Ankhefenmut. He is shown here in a position of adoration before the god Re-Horakhty. Although scenes depicting private individuals in the presence of a god are known from as early as the Middle Kingdom, they did not become popular until the Ramesside Period.

MEDIUM Papyrus, ink
  • Reportedly From: Thebes, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1070–945 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 21
    PERIOD Third Intermediate Period
    DIMENSIONS Sheet: 8 7/8 x 13 3/8 in. (22.6 x 34 cm) As mounted: 14 3/8 x 19 1/8 in. (36.5 x 48.5 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.1826Ea
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Papyrus inscribed for a hem-neter of Amun-Re, king of the Gods, Ankhefenmut, son of a man named Wenenefer. To the right is a vignette, rendered as a line drawing, showing the deceased making an offering of incense to a seated Re-Horakhty. To the left, and covering over one half of the papyrus, is an eight-line inscription in Hieratic. Condition: The various strips of the sheet have separated in many places. The lower right hand corner of the vignette, including the figure of Ankhefenmut from the waist down, is missing.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Sheet from an Amduat: What is in the Netherworld, ca. 1070–945 B.C.E. Papyrus, ink, Sheet: 8 7/8 x 13 3/8 in. (22.6 x 34 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1826Ea (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.1826Eb_overall_PS1.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 37.1826Eb_overall_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2005
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