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Egypt in the Old Kingdom (ca. 2649–2150 b.c.)
Statue of Memi and Sabu [Egyptian; Probably from Giza] Archers (detail) [Egyptian; Excavated at Lisht, reused in the pyramid of Amenemhat I, probably originally from Giza] King Sahure and a Nome God [Egyptian] Sistrum [Egyptian] Two Vases in the Shape of a Mother Monkey with Her Young [Egyptian]


Old Kingdom map

Ancient Egypt during the Old Kingdom, with the capital at Memphis.
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Egypt's Old Kingdom (Dynasties 3–6, ca. 2649–2150 B.C.) was one of the most dynamic periods in the development of Egyptian art. During this period, artists learned to express their culture's worldview, creating for the first time images and forms that endured for generations. Architects and masons mastered the techniques necessary to build monumental structures in stone. Sculptors created the earliest portraits of individuals and the first lifesize statues in wood, copper, and stone. They perfected the art of carving intricate relief decoration and, through keen observation of the natural world, produced detailed images of animals, plants, and even landscapes, recording the essential elements of their world for eternity in scenes painted and carved on the walls of temples and tombs.

These images and structures had two principal functions: to ensure an ordered existence and to defeat death by preserving life into the next world. To these ends, over a period of time, Egyptian artists adopted a limited repertoire of standard types and established a formal artistic canon that would define Egyptian art for more than 3,000 years, while remaining flexible enough to allow for subtle variation and innovation.

Although much of their artistic effort was centered on preserving life after death, Egyptians also surrounded themselves with beautiful objects to enhance their lives in this world, producing elegant jewelry, finely carved and inlaid furniture, and cosmetic vessels and implements in a wide variety of materials.

See an abridged list of rulers in ancient Egypt and Nubia or in ancient Sudan.


Africa, Egypt, Africa, Sudan, Funerary Art, Archaeology, Africa (including Egypt), Funerary Art, Africa (including Egypt)

Department of Egyptian Art

Egypt in the Late Period (ca. 712-332 B.C.), Egypt in the Middle Kingdom (ca.2030-1640 B.C.), Minoan Crete, Egypt in the New Kingdom (ca.1550-1070 B.C.), Abridged List of Rulers: Ancient Egypt and Nubia, Abridged List of Rulers: Ancient Sudan,

Egypt, 8000–2000 B.C., Sudan, 8000-2000 B.C., Sudan, 2000-1000 B.C.,

Africa, 8000-2000 B.C., Africa, 2000-1000 B.C.