Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Relief of the Attendants of the Governor of the Hare Nome Djehutyhotep II
Middle Kingdom
Not on view
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.
This painted relief from a provincial governor’s tomb chapel depicts an entourage of men accompanying their master. Behind the armed bodyguard, four porters carry a sedan chair, a sign of status and wealth. Beneath it trots the governor’s pet dog, Ankhu. Following the porters are an official entrusted with his master’s seal, a man balancing a chest that perhaps contains scribal equipment, another guard with an ax and a large shield, and three other officials. The scene depicts an inspection of food production and manufacturing activities undertaken by the governor, who included representations of his official duties in his tomb. The scene is also reminiscent of processions bringing objects to the tomb of the deceased.
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