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False door niche block of Merykhufu

Old Kingdom
ca. 2551–2528 BCE
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 103
The inspector, priest, and king's acquaintance Merykhufu and his wife the king's acquatinance Nebuhotep are named and depicted as large figures on this false door niche block. On the left Merykhufu is accompanied by a boy who grasps his father's staff and is labeled 'his son Khnemhesu'; on the right a small girl labeled 'her daughter Nebuiret' turns back toward Nebuhetep.
There are no positive indicators, but this block may date as early as the reign of Khufu. Merykhufu incorporates the name of the pharaoh Khufu in his own, although the pharaoh was admired and inspired a cult long after his death. However, the detailing at the ends of the Nebuhetep's tripartite wig is a very early feature.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: False door niche block of Merykhufu
  • Period: Old Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 4
  • Reign: reign of Khufu or later
  • Date: ca. 2551–2528 BCE
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: H. 54 × W. 75 cm (21 1/4 × 29 1/2 in.)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Dr. and Mrs. Edmundo Lasalle Gift, 1967
  • Object Number: 68.13a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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