False door of Kanefer

European Museums, The British Museum

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False door of Kanefer

This false door adorned the facade of Kanefer's tomb, allowing his spirit free passage. He is portrayed on both jambs and identified as the eldest son of King Sneferu. Kanefer was a vizier, the king's chief minister, and he oversaw the construction of his father's final pyramid. As he was also high-priest of the sun-god Ra, he wears a priestly leopard skin.

Near the pyramid lies Kanefer's mastaba tomb, with a bench-shaped superstructure. As he died before its completion, the false door was supplied by his son Kawab, shown smaller on both jambs. Kawab clasps his father's staff to suggest that he too reached high office. He is probably the vizier Kawab of Sneferu's successor, King Khufu.

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False door of Kanefer

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Source:  London, United Kingdom