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Statue of Nedjem

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Statue of Nedjem

Carved and painted sedimentary quartzite

New Kingdom, Dynasty 19, reign of Ramses II (ca. 1278-1212 BCE)

Gift of Edward H. and Suzanne Trezevant Little Fund

Although worn by time, the statue of Nedjem is still impressive. He sits with knees drawn up to his chest on a thin cushion, wrapped in a robe, with only his sandaled feet, hands and head visible. A figure of the god Ptah-Tatjennen stands between the feet of the statue. Inscriptions in the front and back tell us something about the man, who was an important official during the reign of Ramses II – emissary of the king, steward of the king’s house, overseer of the granaries of the Western Delta, etc. A brief text on his shoulder indicates that the statue is not from a tomb, but the “house” (or temple) of Ptah, the principal god of ancient Memphis. Important persons might have statues of themselves placed inside temples. In this way, they could participate in important religious festivals even after death.

-Patricia Podzorski, Curator of Egyptian Art, Institute of Egyptian Art & Archaeology