Heti as a cross-legged,
seated scribe

Old Kingdom, Dynasty 4, 2700-2200 B.C.

Limestone, painted, from Giza

As a statue type, the cross-legged seated figure of a scribe was first introduced into the repertoire of ancient Egyptian art during the course of Dynasty 4 in order to commemorate that a very small percentage of the Egyptian elite whose members were literate. Heti's position stretches his kilt across his thighs forming a convenient "table" on which his papyrus scroll is partially unrolled. His gaze is directed straight ahead as he concentrates on the administrative proceedings of the day. Originally, there was once a reed pen held in the fingers of his right hand, which is now lost.

Photo courtesy of Roemer und Pelizaeus Museum

Splendors | Artifacts | Previous Artifact | Next Artifact