Egypt (Giza, tomb of Kawab, G 7110-7120, Dynasty 4, 2630-2524 B.C.E. Limestone, Height x width x depth: 55.2 x 36.8 x 20.9 cm (21 3/4 x 14 1/2 x 8 1/4 in.) Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition 1934, MFA #34.59 Photos © Joan Ann Lansberry |
"The crown prince Kawab died before he could succeed his father, King Cheops (Khufu), on the throne. His tomb chapel was perhaps the first in the royal cemetary east of the Great Pyramid to bear decoration of any kind. This fragment shows a man leaning on a staff, returning to shore in his papyrus skiff (see drawing). Behind him a heron perches upon the cages filled with the day's catch. Scenes from daily life became common on tomb walls later in Dynasty 4." (From info card)
"This figure's informal pose, balding pate, and small scale relative to the heron perched on top of the caged birds leave little doubt that it is not Kawab, the prince and owner of the tomb from which the relief came. Instead, he must be one of the overseers of Kawab's estate." (From museum website description)
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