Relief with a billy goat

Old Kingdom
ca. 2551–2528 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 103
This section from a procession of goats resembles other goats from Khufu's pyramid complex and is close in style to the cattle of Khufu in 22.1.3a,b. The slightly higher relief of the preserved head allowed the artist to render the animal's knobby facial bones, give added depth to the eye, and emphasize the twisted horns.

Possibly the goats on one wall and the cattle on another were being led inward toward the king's offering chapel and represented the offering of meat in perpetuity.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Relief with a billy goat
  • Period: Old Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 4
  • Reign: reign of Khufu
  • Date: ca. 2551–2528 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Pyramid of Amenemhat I, pyramid core, west side, MMA excavations, 1920–22
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: H. 32 cm (12 5/8 in.); W. 50 cm (19 11/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1922
  • Object Number: 22.1.20
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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