Detail of the Statue of Nykara and his Family in the Brooklyn Museum, March 2010

Statue of Nykara and his Family

This family statue depicts Nykara, who was a scribe of the granary, seated between the standing figures of his son, Ankhmara, and his wife, Khuen-nub. Beneath the central part of Khuen-nub's short wig, her natural hair is indicated by horizontal lines and a row of stylized curls. The boy's nakedness, sidelock of hair, and finger-to-mouth gesture indicate that he is very young, but he is depicted as the same height as his mother. And, if Nykara were shown standing, he would tower over his two companions. Although Old Kingdom group statues often show the man on a larger scale, this particular composition seems also to reflect the sculptor's desire to show all three heads in a row.

Medium: Limestone, painted

Place Made: Egypt

Dates: ca. 2455-2350 B.C.E.

Dynasty: late V Dynasty

Period: Old Kingdom

Dimensions: 22 5/8 x 14 1/2 x 10 7/8 in. (57.5 x 36.8 x 27.7 cm)

Collections: Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Museum Location: This item is on view in Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor

Accession Number: 49.215

Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Text from: www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/3544/Statue...