Statuette of the Child Amenemhab

New Kingdom
ca. 1550–1479 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 114
Amenemhab is identified by his nudity as a very young boy. His closely cropped head is also an attribute of childhood, while the closed lotus bud he holds against his chest may allude to a hope of resurrection. The figure is remarkable for the sensitive rendering of the youthful body and childish face.

The statuette was found inside the coffin of a woman named Ahhotep Tanodjmu (Ahhotep the sweet) together with a wooden statuette of a youth named Huwebenef (26.7.1414a, b). Both statuettes were dedicated by the boys' father, Djehuty. It is logical to assume that Ahhotep was the mother of the two youngsters.

A fine scarab (26.7.575) was also found in the coffin.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Statuette of the Child Amenemhab
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18, early
  • Reign: reign of Ahmose I–Thutmose II
  • Date: ca. 1550–1479 BCE
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Asasif, Tomb CC 37, Hall (C), burial 24, inside coffin, Carnarvon/Carter excavations, 1911
  • Medium: Bronze, separate silver lotus, wood base with pigmented inlays
  • Dimensions: h. 13 cm (5 1/8 in); w. 4.9 cm (1 15/16 in); d. 9 cm (3 9/16 in)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.1413a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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