An Egyptian Limestone Relief, Old Kingdom, Dynasty V, ca. 2465 - 2323 BCE

A large beer-lovers relief! Originally from a mastaba and carved in raised relief in three registers, the top register providing pictorial elements of an offering list that refers to all types of ancient Egyptian beverages, in particular, beer.

From left to right, the text reads:

Mzt-food, 2 portions / Dsrt-drink, 2 portions (a type of beer) / Dsrt-iAtt-drink, 2 portions (a combination of beer and a milk drink) / HnKt beer, 2 portions (ordinary beer) / Khenmes-beer, 2 portions (a type of beer) / Sekhepet-drink, 2 portions / PxA-drink

the middle register with nine kneeling attendants, their arms extended, holding cups, the third register two standing priests flank three finely carved gesticulating figures, shown kneeling, above them, the text reads: “Transfigurations by the lector priests.”, referring to a type of ritual to make the deceased into the glorified dead. 

Medium: Limestone

Dimensions: Length: 30 inches (76.2 cm), Width: 20 inches (50.8 cm)

Condition: Complete with some polychrome remains, finely carved with small expected losses. A large and impressive example of Old Kingdom art.

Provenance: Private Californian collection acquired prior 1972 and then by descent, thereafter Virginia private collection, since 2009.