Statue of Senedjemibmehy Egypt (Giza, G 2378), Old Kingdom, Dynasty 5, Reign of Unis, 2353–2323 B.C.E. Wood, Height: 106 cm (41 3/4 in.) Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition 1914, MFA #13.3466 Photos ©Joan Ann Lansberry, 2014

Photo ©Joan Ann Lansberry, 2014

"Not surprisingly, little large-scale wooden sculpture survives from ancient Egypt. So this statue, which represents a member of a family of architects who served the kings of Dynasties 5 and 6, is of great significance. It was discovered under the floor of a mastaba, where ancient tomb robbers tossed it while ransacking his tomb. The statue is also an example of a very rare type that shows the tomb owner nude. Typically, only children appear without clothing in Egyptian art. It is possible that this sculpture may have been wrapped in a linen kilt, though no trace of it has survived. The statue originally had inlaid eyes and held a staff in the left hand." (From info card) Snedjemibmehy would have carried a scepter and staff as Merti does "Snedjemibmehy was a member of a family of architects that served the royal family from the reign of Isesi of Dynasty 5 to Pepy II of the end of Dynasty 6. He was Unis's chief architect. The entire family was buried in the same tomb complex at Giza." (From museum website).