From Giza, tomb G 7510, Dyn. 4, reign of Khafra, 2520–2494 B.C.E.
Painted limestone, Height: 50.48 cm (19 7/8 in.)
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition 1927, MFA #27.442
"This sculpture is unique: the rendering of a portrait, or true likeness, the bust format, and the painted plaster modeling overlaying the limestone carving are almost unparalled in Egyptian art.
"Ankh-haf (whose name means 'Life is with him') was 'King's eldest son,' according to inscriptions in his tomb, possibly a song of King Snefru (2630-2606 B.C.E) and a minor queen. He served as vizier, or chief administrator, under King Khafre (2520–2494 B.C.E.). He may have overseen the building of the second pyramid and carving of the sphinx. His tomb is the second-largest of all the mastaba tombs at Giza, and dominates the royal cemetary of the east side of the Great Pyramid.
"His bust was installed in a mudbrick chapel attached to the east side of the tomb and oriented so that it faced the chapel's entryway. The chapel walls were covered in exquisitely modeled low relief. It has been suggested that Ankhhaf's arms were sculpted on the low pedestal on which he sat, thereby making him appear even more lifelike. Passersby left more than ninety models of food and drink for Ankhhaf to enjoy in the afterlife." (From the info card and museum website)
An ancient papyrus documenting the building of the Great Pyramid has been located:
"Over a hundred fragments make up a personal log book recording the daily activities of a team led by the inspector Merer, who was in charge of a team of about 200 men."
In that log, we learn more about Ankhhaf:
"Merer's journal mentions regularly passing through an important administrative centre, 'Ro-She Khufu', en route, one day before his arrival at the Giza construction site. The text specifies that this site was under the authority of Vizier Ankh-haf, half-brother of Khufu. It was previously known that Ankh-haf had served as vizier and overseer of works for King Khafre, Khufu's successor, and it is thought that he probably oversaw the building of his pyramid and also the Sphinx. Merer's log book now confirms that Ankh-haf was also involved in some of the final steps of the construction of the Great Pyramid." From 'The Eloquent Peasant' aka Margaret Maitland who reports on this.
