Stela of Mentuwoser
Stela of Mentuwoser, ca. 1955 B.C.E.; Dynasty 12, reign of Senwosret I, year 17; Middle Kingdom
Egyptian; Probably from Abydos
Painted limestone; 19 5/8 x 41 in. (49.8 x 104.1 cm)
Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1912 (12.184)
To show clearly each kind of food being offered, the sculptor arranged the images on top of the table vertically. The feast consists of round and conical loaves of bread, ribs and a hindquarter of beef, a squash, onions in a basket, a lotus blossom, and leeks. The low-relief carving is very fine. The background was cut away only about one-eighth of an inch. Within the firm, clear outlines, the sculptor subtly modeled the muscles of Mentuwoser's arms and legs and the shape of his jaw and cheeks. The chair legs and the calf's head have also been carefully formed. The hieroglyphic inscriptions in sunk relief state that in the seventeenth year of his reign King Senwosret I presented the stela to Mentuwoser in appreciation of his loyal services. Mentuwoser's deeds are described at length. He was steward, granary official, and overseer of all manner of domestic animals, including pigs. He is described as a good man who looked after the poor and buried the dead. Senwosret's throne name, Kheper-Ka-Re, appears within a cartouche in the middle of the top line.
The stela was erected in the temple precinct of Osiris at Abydos.
Mentuwoser's image and the prayers on the stela were meant to bring
him both rebirth and sustenance at the annual festivals honoring
Osiris."
- MET
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