Conorp Egypt

Door jamb from the tomb of Mehy

Egypt, Saqqara
Door jamb from the tomb of Mehy
Old Kingdom, Dynasty VI
Reign of Pepi II
2278-2184 BC
Limestone
79.2 X 29.2 X 8.5
Felton Bequest, 1939

This Door Jamb originates from a free-standing tomb prepared by the government official Mehy at Saqqara, the principle cemetery of the capital of the Old Kingdom at Memphis, located on the escarpment overlooking the city, south of modern Cairo. Mehy is shown seated upon a low-backed wooden chair with legs terminating in bull’s feet. He wears the costume of a high official: an elaborate wig, a bead collar and a pleated linen kilt. In his right hand he holds a sceptre and in his left hand a walking stick, insignia of his office. In typical manner, his head is shown in profile, his shoulders from the front, his legs in profile with feet together. In order not to interrupt the line of body, his sceptre is rendered as though behind his left arm. The piece is well carved in incised relief.

Translation

sS-nsw.t xtm.w-bj.tj jm.j-rA m pr mHj
The scribe of the King (1), sealer of the King of Lower Egypt (2), overseer in the house (/ temple / estade) (steward) (3), Mehi

xtm.w-bj.tj smr-wA.tj Xr-j:HAb.t mHj
The sealer of the King of Lower Egypt (2), sole companion (of the King) (4), Lector Priest (5), Mehi

(1) Jones, Titles OK, no. 3148 *
(2) Jones, Titles OK, no. 2775
(3) Jones, Titles OK, no. 461
(4) Jones, Titles OK, no. 3268
(5) Jones, Titles OK, no.2848

Translation: Forum Egyptian Dream, member Aset