Egypt, Old Kingdom, 6th Dynasty, reign of Pepy II (also Pepi II), ca. 2150 BCE. Hand-carved from a single piece of wood, a male figure striding forward with his left leg advanced - this being the traditional pose for male statues, arms held tightly to his sides with clenched fists, and wearing a short kilt. He possesses a relatively naturalistic face, as Old Kingdom were traditionally more naturalistic than their predecessors.
Of a narrow form, this visage presents finely delineated features including large almond-shaped eyes, arched brows, a naturalistic nose, closed lips, and a pointed chin. An echelon-curl wig with meticulously carved rectangular locks covering the ears frames this countenance, and nice traces of red, black, and white pigment further adorn the figure. His rigid posture and quiet expression reveal the ancient Egyptians' desire to represent the deceased in a manner suitable for all eternity. The left foot striding forward is a stance that was intended to suggest both movement and strength. An incredibly rare and very well-preserved ancient Egyptian wooden figure! Size: 9.875" H (25.1 cm); 11.25" H (28.6 cm) on included custom stand.

This piece was featured at Bonhams on July 6, 2017 (sold for $10,690 - see below) with this description, "Statues of the deceased were placed in the tomb to serve as a surrogate for the physical body, and as such could receive offerings. Having previously been the preserve of the king and his family, non-royal tombs began to be equipped with such statues, both in wood and stone, during the 4th Dynasty, with the practice becoming widespread in elite burials by the 6th Dynasty. The present lot was originally carved from a single piece of wood, of a type probably indigenous to the Nile Valley, such as acacia or sycamore. The hole in the centre of the stomach may indicate where the knot of the kilt would have been inserted - this was often separately carved." (https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24098/lot/18/)

Note: This figure was created during the reign of Pepy II (also Pepi II) who was the fifth king of the 6th dynasty in ancient Egypt. Pepi II came to power at the age of six. New Kingdom king lists state that he ruled for 94 years; contemporary sources record his 62nd and 65th years.

This piece sold for 8,125 pounds ($10,690) at Bonhams London, Antiquities, 6 July 2017, Lot 18. See https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24098/lot/18/

Published in C. Andrews and J. Van Dijk (eds), Objects for Eternity, Egyptian Antiquities from the W. Arnold Meijer Collection, Mainz, 2006, p.64-5, no.1.37.

Exhibited in Amsterdam at Allard Pierson Museum, 17 November 2006 – 25 March 2007.

Provenance: private Lewis collection, Florida, USA; ex-Bonhams London, Antiquities, July 6, 2017, Lot 18; ex-private collection, France, formed 1950s–1960s; and thence by descent. Anonymous sale; Hotel des Ventes, Nice, 26 June 2004, lot 35. Private collection, Europe, acquired at the above sale.

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#136876

Expected surface wear and age fissures. Nice remains of red, black, and white pigment as shown. The hole in the stomach probably indicates where the kilt knot would have been inserted - usually carved separately. Left arm reattached. Section of left leg (calf and foot) reattached.