✨ The Statue of Iteti Ankhires ✨
Cairo Museum 🏺 The Seated Ka Statue of Iteti Ankhires in Cairo Museum is very ancient. It comes from early Egypt. More specifically, it dates to the Old Kingdom. In fact, it belongs to the 6th Dynasty. Long ago, builders placed it inside a tomb at Saqqara. Later on, archaeologists discovered it. After that, the statue moved to Cairo. Today, it stands in the Egyptian Museum. Because of this, many visitors see it every day. As a result, it continues to tell a powerful story.
Cairo Museum 🧿 Why This Statue Matters
Ancient Egyptians believed strongly in life after death. For this reason, they honored the ka, or life spirit. The ka needed a safe place to live. Sometimes, the real body did not survive. Therefore, artists made a statue. This statue acted as a second body. In this way, the spirit could remain alive. Thus, the statue played a vital role in the afterlife.
🏜️ Saqqara: The Original Home
At first, the statue stood in Saqqara. This area served as a vast burial ground. Moreover, it lay near a famous pyramid. Because of this, the place was sacred. Iteti Ankhires chose this site for his tomb. He built a mastaba there. Over time, desert sand covered it. Eventually, archaeologists cleared the sand. As a result, they revealed this hidden treasure.
🪨 A Tomb Near the Step Pyramid
More precisely, workers placed the statue in Mastaba D63. This tomb sits about 300 meters northwest of the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Furthermore, builders designed the tomb to protect both body and spirit. Therefore, they built it strong. Thanks to this care, the statue survived for thousands of years.
Cairo Museum 🎨 Stone, Color, and Pose
The statue is made of limestone. Artists once painted its surface. Even now, small traces of color remain. The figure sits upright. His hands rest on his legs. He looks straight ahead. Because of this pose, he shows power. At the same time, he shows calm and balance.
👑 The Rare Wig
One detail draws attention. Iteti Ankhires wears a three-part wig. Usually, women wore this style. Therefore, this choice is unusual. Perhaps fashion was changing at the time. Or perhaps his rank allowed it. Either way, this feature makes the statue stand out.
📜 Titles and Public Duties
The base of the statue carries carved titles. These words record his career. Most importantly, he held the title “The Great One of the Tens of Upper Egypt.” This shows high authority. In addition, he served as an Overseer of Works. Thus, he managed large building projects. Moreover, he worked with priests. He also served the king. Clearly, he held great power in society.
🏛️ Where to See It Today
Today, the statue remains in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Its museum number is CG 45. Because experts protect it well, it stays in fine condition. Finally, visitors can stand before it. They can study its details. They can reflect on its meaning. Even now, Iteti Ankhires lives on through stone.
The History of Iteti Ankhires
The Seated Ka Statue of Iteti Ankhires is truly a remarkable treasure from ancient Egypt. It dates back to the Old Kingdom, specifically the 6th Dynasty, which was roughly between 2345 and 2181 B.C. This statue was crafted from painted limestone. It was meant to last for an eternity. Because of this, it remains in great condition today.
The Discovery at Saqqara and shown in Cairo Museum
A Tomb Near the Pyramid
Archaeologists found this statue in a mastaba, which is a type of ancient tomb. This specific tomb is known as D63. It sits about 300 meters northwest of the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara. Furthermore, the tomb was built to protect the body and the spirit of the deceased.
A Journey to the Cairo Museum
After its discovery, the statue moved from the desert to the city. Consequently, it is now housed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. You can find it listed as CG 45. This location allows thousands of people to see it every year. In addition, the museum keeps it safe from the elements.
Important Titles and Jobs
A High Official
The statue is not just art; it is a record of a man’s life. For instance, the seat is inscribed with a very grand title. He was called “The Great One of the Tens of Upper Egypt.” This role suggests he was a powerful judge or a high-ranking court official. Moreover, he held other vital jobs during his career.
Serving the King
Iteti Ankhires also worked as an “Overseer of Works.” He likely managed big building projects for the Pharaoh. Additionally, he was an “Inspector of wab-priests of the pyramid of Khafra.” Therefore, he had both religious and civic duties. His titles show that he was a very important member of society.
A Unique and Rare Style
The Mystery of the Wig
One detail makes this statue stand out from others. Iteti Ankhires wears a tripartite lappet wig. Interestingly, this style was almost always used for women or queens. Therefore, seeing it on a man is quite rare. This choice suggests that there was some social or religious experimentation happening at that time.
Cairo Museum The Purpose of the Ka
The statue served a spiritual goal. It was a Ka statue, which acted as a home for the spirit. If the physical body were ever lost, the spirit could live here. Thus, the statue ensured that Iteti Ankhires would have a peaceful afterlife. It remains a powerful symbol of faith and art.
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