Stela of the Overseer of the Western Desert Kay
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.This object is not part of The Met collection. It was in the Museum for a special exhibition and has been returned to the lender.
The standing figures depicted here are Kay, overseer of the Western Desert and of hunters of the desert districts, and a woman who was either his wife or mother. The texts relate that Kay was "the best of the troops on a day of difficulty" and describe a trip to a western oasis during which he investigated desert roads and apprehended a fugitive. His five dogs of different breeds are individually designated with a name or number.
The standing figures depicted here are Kay, overseer of the Western Desert and of hunters of the desert districts, and a woman who was either his wife or mother. The texts relate that Kay was "the best of the troops on a day of difficulty" and describe a trip to a western oasis during which he investigated desert roads and apprehended a fugitive. His five dogs of different breeds are individually designated with a name or number.
Artwork Details
- Title: Stela of the Overseer of the Western Desert Kay
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dynasty: Early Dynasty 12
- Date: ca. 1981–1919 B.C.
- Geography: Probably from Egypt, Upper Egypt; Thebes, Kamala, W of Luxor
- Medium: Limestone
- Dimensions: H. 67 cm (26 3/8 in.); W. 34 cm (13 3/8 in.); D. 9 cm (3 9/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art