Relief of the Attendants of the Governor of the Hare Nome Djehutyhotep II

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1981-1802 B.C.
Not on view
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.

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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Relief of the Attendants of the Governor of the Hare Nome Djehutyhotep II
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12
  • Reign: reign of Senwosret III
  • Date: ca. 1981-1802 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, El-Bersha, Tomb of Djehutyhotep (Tomb 2)
  • Medium: Limestone, paint
  • Dimensions: 19 5/16 × 66 9/16 × 10 1/16 in. (49 × 169 × 25.5 cm)
  • Credit Line: The Trustees of the British Museum, London
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art