Ankh Seated with Clasped Hands. Beit Khallaf; Third Dynasty, reign of Djoser (ca. 2630–2611 B.C.E.). Gray porphyroid granite; H. 24 5/8 in. (62.5 cm). Musée du Louvre, Paris (N 40 [=A 39]).

Inscriptions carved in raised relief on the sides of the lap identify this figure as "Priest of Horus, medjeh ames, Ankh," an official known from the reign of Djoser. The shen ring worn about Ankh's neck may indicate that he is part of the royal family, and his hands clasped on his lap suggest he is shown as a priest. Numerous traces of alterations on statues of Ankh suggest the evolving conceptions of the master who carved these sculptures. Traces of one of the changes to this statue lie in the uncarved area of the wig above each shoulder when seen from the side; these traces seem to document the recarving and lowering of the shoulders to give the head and neck a more upright appearance.