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Stele of Wadjsetji and his wife, Merirtyef
Egyptian
First Intermediate Period
2100–2040 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Mesheikh, Tomb 101
Medium/Technique
Limestone
Dimensions
Length x width x height: 71 x 54 x 9.5 cm (27 15/16 x 21 1/4 x 3 3/4 in.)
Weight: 51.26 kg (113 lb.)
Weight: 51.26 kg (113 lb.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number12.1479
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsArchitectural elements – Stele
DescriptionThis stela depicts the official Wadjsetji with his wife Merirtyef and their two children, the latter at much reduced scale relative to their parents. All figures stand beneath a three-line offering formula and to the left of a vertical pile of food and drink offerings. The scene is rendered in sunk relief and painted in bright earth tones. The field of decoration is enclosed by a border of black, yellow, red and green blocks.
Inscriptions(1) "An offering which the king gives, (and) Anubis, who is upon his mountain, (2) who is in the place of embalming, lord of the necropolis, that offerings be invoked for the sole companion (3) Wadjsetji. His wife, his beloved, the sole royal ornament Merirtyfy (?)."
under ultraviolet light can be seen the names of two small figure, "Inheret" and "Ibu." (Leprohon)
under ultraviolet light can be seen the names of two small figure, "Inheret" and "Ibu." (Leprohon)
ProvenanceFrom Mesheikh, tomb 101. Excavated by the Harvard University-Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; 1912: assigned to the MFA by the government of Egypt.