Description Large Ushabti of Kenamun made of calcite-alabaster
Slightly veined, but in all other respects homogeneously yellow calcite-alabaster, in places minimal abrasion on the surface, especially in the facial area, the haptic saponification of smooth surface parts, typical for antique limestones such as marble or calcite-alabaster, as well as a small, irregular cavity on the left side of the base, caused by weathering, plausibly prove the age of the statuette
Height appx. 270 mm, width appx. 85 mm, depth appx. 70 mm
New Kingdom, Thebes, XVIII. Dynasty around 1400 BC
Provenance: Dr. Nassim, 1976, private collection Austria
The unusually carefully cut calcite Ushebti stands on a low, square base, wears the braided beard and a large wig striped lengthwise, in the hands crossed in front of the chest it holds both tools, on the body lie six lines traditionally inscribed horizontally with hieroglyphics. The back pillar, however, is described vertically and names Kenamun as owner, administrator and guardian of the treasures in the temples of Amun.
The fact that this is most likely Kenamun (Ken-Amun), son of the court lady and royal nurse Amenemopet, a milk brother, closest friend of his youth and later chief administrator of the estates of Amenophis II (1427-1400 B.C.), whose tomb in Thebes (TT 93) has been known for more than two hundred years already and consequently has been plundered to a large extent, is clear from the known circumstances of the find.
The text on his body seems to deviate from the otherwise commonly used 6th chapter from the Book of the Dead. The remarkable size of the Ushabti, the especially pure quality of the calcite alabaster, as well as the exact execution of figure and inscription allow in any case conclusions about the importance of Kenamun at the court of Amenophis II. The stone most probably comes from the pharaonic calcite pits of Hatnub.
Expert: Dr. Helmut Satzinger, Professor of Egyptology, University of Vienna
Former Keeper of ‘The Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection’, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna
Literature: Norman De Garis Davies,
“The Tomb of Ken-Amun at Thebes”
2 volumes, London 1930
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