Stela of Amenemhat

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Temples and Tombs, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

The four lines of hieroglyphic text at the top of this stela list what every Egyptian wanted in the afterlife: “thousands of portions of cattle, fowl, bread, alabaster, linen, and all kinds of green vegetables.” The inscription below mentions the name of the deceased, a man called Amunemhat, and his mother, Shabut. Amunemhat’s image appears just to the left of the offering table in the traditional place of honor. He was probably born in the reign of Amunemhat I and named for that king.

MEDIUM Limestone

Reportedly From: Saqqara, Egypt

DATES ca. 1938-1875 B.C.E.

DYNASTY early XII Dynasty

PERIOD Middle Kingdom

DIMENSIONS 16 5/8 x 21 in. (42.3 x 53.4 cm) 

 

Brooklyn Museum

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