Photograph by Ed Pollard, Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II digital slr-2009.

Tomb Lintel of Ihii

Artist Unknown

CultureEgyptian | Old Kingdom

DateLate Dynasty 5-early Dynasty 6, reigns of Unas or Pepy I, 2375-2287 B.C.E.

MediumLimestone

DimensionsOverall, Frame (Part A): 22 1/2 x 86 1/2 x 1 1/2 in. (57.2 x 219.7 x 3.8 cm)
Overall, Frame (Part B): 22 1/2 x 30 1/4 x 1 1/2 in. (57.2 x 76.8 x 3.8 cm)

Credit LineGift of Jack F. Chrysler in Memory of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Object number93.32.3

Collections

Ancient Mediterranean Art

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 109

DescriptionArchitectural block from a tomb in two separate sections; Part A, the larger portion, is composed of hieroglyphic inscriptions.Part B shows a scene of offerings to the deceased. Part A is composed of three horizontal rows of hieroglyphs seaparated in the center by one vertical row of hieroglyphs. Part B scene shows the tomb owner and his wife sitting on chairs with lion paws-shaped legs, turned to the right. The lady has a long hair, and she's wearing a broad necklace on a tight dress. Her right arm is stretched toward the table in front of the couple, while her left arm disappears behind her husband's back (she must be embracing him, as it often happens in such scenes). The man has a half-long wig falling to his shoulders and a short beard. He's wearing a broad necklace too, and a short kilt. His right arm is also stretched toward the table, while he's keeping his left one folded against his chest.The table is a simple plate resting on a single large foot. On it are set eleven tall blades-shaped elements. Under it is a large vase with a spout. Before the table a man is standing, his arms along his body. He has a very short hair or is wearing a cap. He's dressed with a broad necklace and a simple skirt with a large triangular panel.;

Label TextTomb Lintel of Ihii Limestone Old Kingdom, Dynasty 5–6, 2375–2287 B.C.E. Gift of Jack F. Chrysler, in memory of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. 93.32.3 Carved of fine limestone, this tomb relief is divided into two parts. On the left side is an offering scene; on the right, hieroglyphic inscriptions. The hieroglyphs identify the figures as members of the well-known family of Metjetji, who enjoyed the highest social rank in ancient Egypt. The young Metjetji stands to the right of the offering table, presenting its contents to his deceased father, Ihii, and mother, Inti, who sit grandly on chairs decorated with lion’s-paw shaped legs. The inscriptions above the table describe the offerings as food (fowl, beef, bread, and beer), cloth, and cosmetics (oil and alabaster jars), precisely the kinds of items the deceased would want to maintain them in the afterlife. The quantity given for each of these offerings is “1000,” a standard numerical reference for “great amounts of.” The relief served originally as a lintel, or overdoor, in Ihii’s tomb.Published ReferencesFrédéric Mougenot, "Metchetchi en famille sur le linteau 93.32.3 du Chrysler Museum of Art de Norfolk," _Bulletin de l'Institut français d'Archéologie orientale_ 112 (2012): 275-290. Don Harrison, "Art Unveiled," _Coastal Virginia Magazine,_ April 2014, 50.