Relief of Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II
Dynasty 11, ca. 2051–2000 b.c.
Mentuhotep II was a member of the ruling family of Thebes and was considered the founder of the Middle Kingdom. This is an excellent example of a limestone carved relief painted with bright colors. His white crown represents Upper Egypt and he is wearing a false beard. There is a strap painted along his jawline. A painting with a straight beard would mean that the king was still alive. His beard is curved and that means it is a divine beard and that he has joined the rank of the gods.
Scribes from Meketre's model granary
Dynasty 12, reign of Amenemhat I, ca. 1975 b.c.
This model of a granery was found in a hidden chamber in the tomb of Meketre in western Thebes. It is plastered and painted wood. Meketre began his career under Mentuhotep II and continued to serve the line of kings until early in the 12th Dynasty. In his tomb were detailed models of weaving, carpentry, and food production in order to give his spirit everything it would need after he passed away.
Statuette of a Hippopotamus
Dynasty 12, ca. 1981–1885 b.c.
Normally these "river horses" otherwise known as a hippopotamuses, would weigh in excess of one and half tons, but this was only stands about 4 3/8 in tall. He was molded out of a ceramic material made from ground quartz called faience. Underneath the blue glaze are paintings of the outlines of river plants. This was an example of this Egyptian artist's appreciation for nature and her splendors.
Cosmetic Jar in the Form of a Cat
Dynasty 12, ca. 1991–1783 b.c.
This cosmetic jar was created out of alabaster (calcite) with inlaid eyes of rock crystal and copper. This is the earliest know three-dimensional image of a cat. The sculptor portrayed the cat with an alert and tense expression that made it seem very lifelike. The eyes were made with drill holes at the back which were then filled with pigment, that combined with the rock crystal gave this cat a very real appearance.
Guardian figure in the form of King Amenemhat II
Dynasty 12, reign of Amenemhat II, ca. 1919–1885 b.c.
This painted wood statuette features a guardian deity resembling Amenemhat II. He wears a red crown representing Lower Egypt and a divine kilt (not just for Scots) and this combination implies that the statuette is not a representation of the living pharaoh.
Pectoral of Princess Sit-Hathor-yunet
Dynasty 12, reigns of Senwosret II–Amenemhat III, ca. 1887–1813 B.C
This beautiful piece of jewelry personifies the talent of the Middle Kingdom jewelers. It was made with the cloisonne technique out of gold, carnelian, feldspar, garnet, and turquoise. A total of 372 carefully cut pieces of semiprecious stones were inlaid in metal clasps. The 2 falcons represent the sun god Re. The snakes represent the goddesses of Upper and Lower Egypt Nekhbet and Udjo, protectors of the King. The kneeling figure is the god Heh.
Face of Senwosret III
Dynasty 12, reign of Senwosret III, ca. 1878–1840 b.c.
This piece is considered one of the most individual and recognizable out of all Egyptian art. It differs from the way the kings are normally portrayed as younger and more carefree. His expression shows sunken eyes, hollow cheeks, and a bleak or brooding expression. The face of the king's gneiss sphinx apparently is more stern than this somewhat more relaxed quartzite statue. This ruler chose to have his humanity represented rather than his status of eternal kingship.
Pectoral belonging to Senwosret III
12th dynasty, 1991–1786 BCE
A pectoral like this one, which belonged to the Pharaoh in the statue above, was a form of jewelry mostly worn by richer people. It could either be a necklace which was worn as a way to show attachment or as a brooch.
With Its use to show the themes, icons, or statements overshadowed its use as adornment. Typically scenes portrayed the pharaoh or Egyptian mythology and culture.
With Its use to show the themes, icons, or statements overshadowed its use as adornment. Typically scenes portrayed the pharaoh or Egyptian mythology and culture.
Head of an Official
Dynasty 13 (c. 1794-1648 B.C.)
Unfortunately sometimes there is just so little known about who statues were meant to represent and even though we can tell they are an official of some sort, we may never know who it was intended to be.
Burial Group of Physician Gua
12th dynasty (c.1850 BC)
With the advancement in technology we are now able to study egyptian mummies in more detail and learn about their physique, life expectancy, diet, health and illnesses that they faced. This is a mummy of the Physician Gua that was unearthed in a project to study bioarcheology.