Block Statue of the God's Father Pameniuwedja, son of Nesmin and Nestefnut

Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
4th century B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 138
Elegantly compact, this block statue depicts the priest Pameniuwedja seated with his feet together, his bent legs drawn up to his chest, and his arms folded on top of his knees. These elements are fused into a solid trapezoidal mass, with only the hands carved in low relief on the top. His right hand clutches what appears to be a lettuce, associated with the god Min and seen as a symbol of rebirth. The head emerges from the solid block, with the face fully carved but the bag wig barely detached from the back pillar.

There are four framed vertical columns facing right on front panel; on the tops of the feet are portions of the Saite offering formula; another offering formula beginning at the proper left front runs continuously around the shallow base. Pameniuwedja bore a number of priestly titles, such as God’s Father, Wen Priest, and Embracer of the Sacred Eye.The inscription on the back pillar names his parents: his father, Nesmin, who bore the same titles as his son; and Nestefnut. (See Translations below.)

For more on this statue, see the Curatorial Interpretation.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Block Statue of the God's Father Pameniuwedja, son of Nesmin and Nestefnut
  • Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 30 to early Ptolemaic
  • Date: 4th century B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Diorite
  • Dimensions: H. 34.6 × W. 14.5 × D. 19.1 cm, 14.6 kg (13 5/8 × 5 11/16 × 7 1/2 in., 32.2 lb.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1907
  • Object Number: 07.228.25
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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