Grave Stele of Senebusa

Artist Unidentified

Period Middle Kingdom (Ancient Egyptian, 2030–1650 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 12 (Ancient Egyptian, 1981–1802 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 13 (Ancient Egyptian, 1802–1650 BCE)

Place of OriginEgypt, probably from Abydos

Date12th–13th Dynasties (1991–1649 BCE)

Dimensions21 3/8 × 12 1/8 × 3 1/4 in. (54.3 × 30.8 × 8.3 cm)

Mediumlimestone with paint

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1906.23

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 02, Classic

Label TextIn the late Middle Kingdom, foreign invaders—the Hyksos—settled in the Nile Delta and the power of the pharaohs waned. With the decline of royal authority came numerous changes in Egyptian art and culture, especially in traditions surrounding the tomb. In this Middle Kingdom stele Senebusa sits traditionally at left, facing mounds of food and an offering table heaped with loaves of bread; just over his head is the customary offering formula, carved in two rows of hieroglyphs. But the style and execution is more elongated than in earlier centuries, and the artist engraved the figure and food as outlines, rather than carving them in relief. In addition such steles were often placed in temples or shrines—not at the tomb itself. 123 words In the late Middle Kingdom, foreign invaders—the Hyksos—settled in the Nile Delta and the power of the pharaohs waned. With the decline of royal authority came numerous changes in Egyptian art and culture, especially in traditions surrounding the tomb. In this Middle Kingdom stele Senebusa sits traditionally at left, facing mounds of food and an offering table heaped with loaves of bread; just over his head is the customary offering formula, carved in two rows of hieroglyphs. But the style and execution is more elongated than in earlier centuries, and the artist engraved the figure and food as outlines, rather than carving them in relief. In addition such steles were often placed in temples or shrines—not at the tomb itself.Published ReferencesLuckner, Kurt T., "The art of Egypt, Part I," Toledo Museum of Art Museum News, vol. 14, no. 1, Spring 1971, p. 16, repr. fig. 16.

Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, The Egypt Experience: Secrets of the Tomb, October 29, 2010-January 8, 2012.