Artifact Name: Wooden Statue of a Pharaoh
Origin: Ancient Egypt
Period: New Kingdom (c. 1550-1070 BCE)
Material: Wood, paint
Dimensions: H. 45.5 in. (116 cm)
Current Location: Unknown (potentially housed in a museum collection)

Background Information:
This wooden statue represents a pharaoh from the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt, likely a ruler who emphasized authority and power through the use of symbolic attributes. The figure is standing in a dignified pose, holding a shepherd’s crook, which was a symbol of kingship, and dressed in a ceremonial skirt, signifying his royal status. The pointed crown, which once may have been adorned with colorful paint, hints at the Pharaoh’s connection to divine rule, as pharaohs were considered living gods in ancient Egypt.

The deterioration of the statue’s paint provides a glimpse into the passage of time and the challenges of preserving ancient artifacts, but still maintains its majestic form. The use of wood reflects both the resources available in ancient Egypt and the skilled craftsmanship of the artists of the time, who were able to create statues that conveyed the authority of the ruling class while using such a delicate material.

The figure’s facial features, although weathered, convey a sense of calm and authority, reinforcing the pharaoh’s role as both a political and spiritual leader. This type of statue was often created for temples or tombs, serving as a symbolic protector for the deceased or a display of the king’s divine right to rule.

Currently, it is possible that this artifact is housed in a major museum collection, contributing to our understanding of the grandeur and culture of ancient Egypt. It offers insights into the artistic practices, religious beliefs, and political structures of the time.