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Ritual Implement Dedicated by a King Senwosret to Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1961–1840 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 110
Known as a pesesh-kef, this magical instrument has its origins in early Egyptian culture. It may represent an implement used to cut the umbilical cord. The pesesh-kef was employed in the Opening of the Mouth ritual, during which a priest would hold the implement to the mouth of a cult statue or mummy, allowing it to receive offerings. The inscription indicates that this implement was dedicated to Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II by one of the Senwosret kings, likely Senwosret III.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ritual Implement Dedicated by a King Senwosret to Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12
  • Date: ca. 1961–1840 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Hornblende granite
  • Dimensions: H. 21 cm (8 1/4 in.); W. 6.5 cm (2 9/16 in.); Th. 1 cm (3/8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1924
  • Object Number: 24.2.1
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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