This statue i s an example of so-called'private'Egyptian sculpture, intimate images made to be placed in the tombs of ordinary people. This type of sculpture developed during the Third Dynasty (c. 2686-2613 вс). Here a seated ship-builder is shown holding a woodworking adze, a tool indicative of his trade. An inscription carved on the figure's kilt gives his name, Ankhwa, and his titles. One of these ranks Ankhwa as a royal acquaintance, a status reflected not only in the quality of his statue but also in its material. Granite was quarried at the king's pleasure, so this statue was probably made in a royal workshop.
The style of private sculptures closely follows the conventions set by royal sculpture. It was static, frontally posed, and with idealized features. Before the Fourth Dynasty (c. 2613-2494 вс), sculpture 'in the round' is rare, but this example from the Third Dynasty is outstanding.
Possibly from Saqqara, Egypt, 3rd Dynasty, c. 2650 вс
Ht 65.5 cm
The style of private sculptures closely follows the conventions set by royal sculpture. It was static, frontally posed, and with idealized features. Before the Fourth Dynasty (c. 2613-2494 вс), sculpture 'in the round' is rare, but this example from the Third Dynasty is outstanding.
Possibly from Saqqara, Egypt, 3rd Dynasty, c. 2650 вс
Ht 65.5 cm