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Statuette of Imhotep, Seated with Papyrus Scroll

Made By Egyptian, anonymous
Made By Greek
CultureEgyptian, Greek
DatePtolemaic Period (310 BC - 30 BC), Ptolemaic Dynasty
PeriodPtolemaic
Mediumbronze
DimensionsOverall: 3 7/16 x 1 x 1 3/4 in. (8.8 x 2.5 x 4.5 cm)
Base: 3 1/4 x 1 15/16 x 2 15/16 in. (8.2 x 4.9 x 7.4 cm)
Classification(s)
  • ANCIENT
Credit LineGift of Horace Mayer
Terms
  • Imhotep
  • Imhotep
  • votive
  • gods
  • Religion
Object number61.19.13
DescriptionThis hollow cast, bronze statuette depicts the deified Egyptian architect, Imhotep, sitting with a papyrus scroll on his lap. He wears a long kilt, necklace, and a tight-fitting skull cap. Imhotep was the architect of the Pharoah, Djoser (c. 2700 BC), and is credited with designing the famous step pyramid at Saqqara. He began to be worshiped as a god during the Late Period; his cult was focused at Memphis, where he was considered to be the son of Ptah.
Collections
Inscribedon base in pencil: 22[illegible #]; on bottom of base on label in ink: 5; on base on bottom in ink: 232
On View
Not on view
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