Decoding the statue of a stranger hugging an Egyptian pharaoh

New research may reveal the identity of the pharaoh and a non-royal figure in a mysterious statue unearthed in the 1850s.

Ancient Egyptian artwork depicting a man holding a statue of a pharaoh. Photo: National Museums Scotland — Ancient Egyptian artwork depicting a man holding a statue of a pharaoh. Photo: *National Museums Scotland*

In three-dimensional sculptures of ancient Egypt, pharaohs are not typically placed next to non-royal figures, writes Margaret Maitland, chief curator of the ancient Mediterranean at the National Museums of Scotland, in new research published in the book "Deir el-Medina: Through the Kaleidoscope."

However, a work of art housed at the National Museum of Scotland is not, Live Science reported on April 28. The limestone sculpture, considered "impossible," depicts the pharaoh sitting on the lap of a kneeling man. The pharaoh is not carved to life size, and wears a blue crown with a snake on top.

When examining the documents, Maitland found that the statue was excavated by a team led by Scottish archaeologist Alexander Henry Rhind at Deir el-Medina in the 1850s. She also discovered that some high-ranking individuals at Deir el-Medina were allowed to depict the pharaoh in ways that others elsewhere could not.

During the reign of Ramesses II (c. 1279–1213 BC), a statue cult dedicated to the king flourished in Deir el-Medina. The worship and creation of statues depicting the pharaoh were encouraged by the royal family. Although Egyptians generally discouraged the carving of statues of pharaohs and non-royal figures, at this particular time and place it was acceptable.

Maitland believes the work in the National Museum of Scotland is more likely to depict a statue of the pharaoh Ramesses II, not a real person. The kneeling figure behind him could be Ramose, a high-ranking scribe.

According to Maitland, there is one important clue that suggests Ramose’s identity. The kneeling figure behind him is wearing a wreath, a rare item for men in ancient Egypt. However, there is a wooden statue at Deir el-Medina that also depicts Ramose wearing a wreath.

Thu Thao (According to Live Science )

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