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