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Tomb relief of Khnumhotep, crescent on top of cross

European Museums, The British Museum

Long necked bird-like symbol on the tomb relief of Khnumhotep

Tomb relief of Khnumhotep

Khnumhotep inspected priests in the sun temple of King Userkaf and was a priest of Hathor in the same king's pyramid complex. He wears the leopard skin of a priest. Slices of bread lie on the table for his afterlife. The texts list further offerings, especially textiles.

A draughtsman drew the decoration in outline before the sculptor carved it. Traces of the original sketch include the red line at the top. More guiding lines, now lost, helped to draw the human figure in the right proportions.

5th Dynasty (about 2494 - 2345 B.C.)

From Saqqara, tomb of Khnumhotep

Limestone

Supplementary images:

Long necked bird-like symbol on the tomb relief of Khnumhotep
Taken on  Friday 14th of August 2015
Device: OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP.
Model: SP800UZ
Genre:  2494 - 2345 B.C.
Source:  London, United Kingdom
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