atue head of Menkaura
King Menkaure was an pharaoh who ruled during the Old Kingdom's Fourth Dynasty. He ruled from around 2550–2503 BC. The exact length of his reign is uncertain, but the Turin papyrus suggests he ruled for 18 or 28 years. Menkaure was the son of Khafre and the grandson of Khufu a Dynastic family who ruled from the Delta region during what is known as "the Age of Pyramids".
The Head of King Menkaura is a striking sculpture of the Pharaoh, crafted from alabaster, this piece showcases the exquisite beauty and fine artistry of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship. The head features a naturalistic visage with a fleshy face with rounded contours, a rounded and robust, broad nose, strong jawline, high cheekbones, and a serene expression that conveys both power and serenity. The deep waves in his wooly textured hair are beautifully carved showcasing the intricate delicacy of Egyptian artistry.
The detailed carving captures the essence of the pharaoh, adorned with the traditional diadem with a single Uraeus representing the waking of the serpent energy. Uraeus is a Greek word which means “she/he who rears up”. Symbollic of the sacred initiation rituals that would take place within the Per Ankh temples or "House of Life", known as the mystery schools to the Greeks. The use of alabaster, a softer stone than diorite, allows for smooth contours and a luminous quality, enhancing the sculpture’s lifelike appearance and allowing the deep waves in his hair to flow gracefully.
LOCATION: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
DYNASTY: 4th Dynasty
PERIOD: Old Kingdom, 2490–2472 BCE
DIMENSIONS: 29.2 x 19.6 x 21.9 cm (11 1/2 x 7 11/16 x 8 5/8 in
MEDIUM/TECHNIQUE: Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
COLLECTIONS: Ancient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ACCESSION NUMBER: 09.203
Reconstruction created by TKM: https://www.youtube.com/@kingmono
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