Stela of the Steward Dedu
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 inscription on the stela of Dedu refers to the owner’s tomb in Abydos, where this monument was probably erected. Dedu and his wife are shown seated and receiving a variety of funerary offerings, probably from family members. Also receiving offerings are Dedu’s brother and his wife, who stand in the upper right. The text not only invokes Osiris, Wepwawet, Heqet, Khnum, and other deities worshipped at Abydos, but also mentions the sacred bark of Osiris and various religious festivals that were celebrated in that holy city. Dedu urges everyone who passes by the tomb to recite his "good name" toward the temple of Osiris.
The inscription on the stela of Dedu refers to the owner’s tomb in Abydos, where this monument was probably erected. Dedu and his wife are shown seated and receiving a variety of funerary offerings, probably from family members. Also receiving offerings are Dedu’s brother and his wife, who stand in the upper right. The text not only invokes Osiris, Wepwawet, Heqet, Khnum, and other deities worshipped at Abydos, but also mentions the sacred bark of Osiris and various religious festivals that were celebrated in that holy city. Dedu urges everyone who passes by the tomb to recite his "good name" toward the temple of Osiris.
Artwork Details
- Title: Stela of the Steward Dedu
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 12
- Reign: Senwosret I
- Date: ca. 1961-1917 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt; Probably from Abydos
- Medium: Limestone, paint
- Dimensions: 45 1/4 × 27 9/16 × 4 3/4 in. (115 × 70 × 12 cm)
- Credit Line: Oriental Museum, Durham University
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art