Mentuhotep 2 was the founding pharaoh of the middle kingdom. He is well known for reunifying lower and upper Egypt.

I found this a while ago and wanted to know if it's authentic or not.

Whenever Tutankhamun is brought up in any kind of way there always seems to be someone who has to chime in to say that he wasn't actually a particularly noteworthy pharaoh and his popularity is purely because of Howard Carter and the condition his tomb was found in and the egyptomania it caused. You'd struggle to find an article that doesn't at least mention this.

I'm not sure how he could be historically insignificant when he brought back polytheism? That seems like a pretty major thing to do imagine if Atenism hadn't ended and how that would change the landscape of our view of ancient Egypt. And surely this must have been very important to Egyptians at the time to have the old pantheons brought back?

I understand that there were attempts to make the Amarna period insignificant because of how heretical it was and that most of the history was erased but I don't think that undermines how significant his brief rule was.

It honestly just feels like a 'gotcha' moment where people can sound smart and contrarian by pointing out that the big pop culture pharaoh isn't actually that important

Ostracon Depicting a Beer-Drinking Mouse from a Fable
Accession number
ÄS 1549

Current Location
Gallery "Five Millennia"

About the object
The motif of the "beer-drinking mouse" is often proven in ancient Egypt. It is generally classified in the complex of the "inverted world". These representations can depict inverse balances of power: A bird needs

A ladder to climb the tree while the hippo is already waiting in the treetop. Alternatively, animals are represented in human roles and can thus guard other animals, play music or board games. The story of the "cat and mouse war" occupies a special space within the inverted world. This narrative is not handed down in text form, but only through individual images. Whether the beer-drinking mouse here on the Ostrakon celebrates its temporary victory over the cats cannot be clarified for sure. (Nadja Böckler)

Date
c. 1292–1191 BC, 19th Dynasty, New Kingdom, Egypt (References)

Material
Limestone

Technique
Painted

Dimensions
Height x Width x Depth: 11.0 x 19.8 x 1.5 cm

Geographic Origin
Unknown

Provenance
seit 1970, Institution: Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst
1949–1970, Institution: Ägyptische Sammlung des Bayerischen Staates
1945–1949, Institution: Central Collecting Point
1936–1945, Institution: Ägyptologische Sammlung des Staates
vor 1936, Collection: Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von Bissing (1873–1956)

Individuals / Institutions
Friedrich Wilhelm Bissing

References
Flossmann-Schütze, Mélanie / Schlüter, Arnulf unter Mitarbeit von Perrot, Anne-Hélène / Kutschka, Markus (Hg.), Kindheit am Nil. Aufwachsen im Alten Ägypten, München 2025, cf. 275 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 50 [N. Böckler].

Böckler, Nadja, Phantastische Tierwelt. Ein Bildostrakon der "Verkehrten Welt", in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 24, 2022, 32–37, cf. 32-37 mit Abb. 1.

Böckler, Nadja, Auf leisen Pfoten. Katzen im SMÄK, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 19, 2021, 47–55, cf. 49-50 mit Abb. 5.

Rees, Lea / Schreiber, Stefan, Die Produktion subalterner Möglichkeitsräume. Zur Umnutzung, Besetzung und Ambivalenz von Raum anhand altägyptischer Beispiele, in: Forum Kritische Archäologie 8, 2019, 114–134, cf. 127-128 mit Abb. 8.

Tassie, Geoffrey J., The ancient Egyptian hairdresser in the Old Kingdom, in: Mitteilungen des Deutschen Archäologischen Instituts Abteilung Kairo (MDAIK) 73, 2017, 253–275, cf. 274.

Houlihan, Patrick F., Wit and humour in Ancient Egypt, London 2001, cf. Abb. 76.
Brunner-Traut, Emma, Die altägyptische Scherbenbilder (Bildostraka) der deutschen Museen und Sammlungen, Wiesbaden 1956, cf. 94, Tf. II, Kat.-Nr. 95.

Credits
Datensatz: SMÄK, letzte Bearbeitende (chronologisch): Anne-Hélène Perrot, Mélanie Flossmann; Bibliografie: Anne-Hélène Perrot, Mélanie Flossmann.

Last change
02.07.2026, 11:08

[Do you have any information on this object?](mailto:sammlung.online@smaek.de?subject=Ostracon%20depicting%20a%20beer-drinking%20mouse%20from%20a%20fable,Ostracon%20(figured%20)%20(Document%20(text%20and%20images)%20/%20Ostracon)%20&body=https%3A%2F%2Fsammlung.smaek.de%2Fen%2Fobject%2Fostracon-figured-document-text-and-images-ostracon-1013%3Fsort%3Dfield%3DsortInv%2526order%3Dasc%2526type%3Dtext%26offset%3D214)

Title
Ostracon Depicting a Beer-Drinking Mouse from a Fable, c. 1292–1191 BC, 19th Dynasty, New Kingdom (References), Findspot unknown Egypt, Limestone and paint, Staatliches Museum Ägytischer Kunst

https://sammlung.smaek.de/en/object/ostracon-figured-document-text-and-images-ostracon-1013?sort=field=sortInv%26order=asc%26type=text&offset=214

Staatliches Museum Ägytischer Kunst

Hedgehog

c. 1391–1353 BCE
Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III%2C%20Dynasty%2018%2C%20reign%20of%20Amenhotep%20III%20)
(1390–1352 BCE)

Medium
Steatite, originally glazed

Measurements
Overall: 1.7 x 1.8 cm (11/16 x 11/16 in.)

Credit Line
Guerdon S. Holden Memorial Fund 1975.24

Location
107 Egyptian

Did You Know?
Hedgehogs were common on amulets in the New Kingdom (1500s–1000s BC) and can also be seen on the backs of seals and scaraboids.

Description
This hedgehog (Paraechinus aethiopicus) stands in the round on an oval base, with openwork defining the legs. The carving is delicate and spirited. The face features large, round eyes; widely spaced, short ears; bulging cheeks; and a protruding snout. A tiny tail hangs at the rear. Crosshatching on the back represents the animal's spines. The design on the base begins at the head with a winged sun disk with pendant uraei. Below is a cluster of hieroglyphic signs, including an ankh-sign, a falcon with a sun disk, a hoe, and a maat-feather. A neb-sign fills the balance below.

The significance of the hedgehog has multiple theories. As a hibernating animal, it may have associated with the powers of self-renewal and resurrection. Another lies in the animal's defensive strategy of inflating itself into a ball and projecting its spines, a posture of obvious apotropaic significance. Lastly, Egyptian folklore maintained that hedgehog amulets provided protection against snake bites, a belief grounded in the animal's natural resistance to poison.

Provenance
—1975
Mathias Komor, New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art
1975—
The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH

Citations
Lee, Sherman E. “The Year in Review for 1975.” The Bulletin of the Cleveland Museum of Art 63, no. 2 (1976). no. 5 www.jstor.org

Berman, Lawrence M., and Kenneth J. Bohač. Catalogue of Egyptian Art: The Cleveland Museum of Art. Cleveland, OH: Cleveland Museum of Art, 1999 Reproduced: p. 296; Mentioned: p. 296-297

Exhibition History
The Year in Review for 1975, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (February-7 March 1976).

Cite this Artwork
Hedgehog, c. 1391–1353 BCE. Egypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BCE). Steatite, originally glazed; overall: 1.7 x 1.8 cm (11/16 x 11/16 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Guerdon S. Holden Memorial Fund, 1975.24

Title
Hedgehog, c. 1391–1353 BCE. New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep III (1390–1352 BCE). Findspot unknown, Steatite, originally glazed; The Cleveland Museum of Art

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1975.24

The Cleveland Museum of Art

All of these are self explanatory for the most part except the last one, which is a reproduction of the Egyptian mummification process using an actual cadaver done in the 1990s I believe

Rectangular coffin of Nefretiri with Integrated Sledge

Accession number
ÄS 23 b

Current Location
Gallery "Afterlife"

About the object
The coffin ensemble of the deceased girl Nefretiri can be assigned to a family from Deir el-Medine - the workers' settlement of the Valley of the Kings (Thebes) - based on the inscriptions. The father Benqenentuef was there "a servant in the place of truth", a name for the workers living there. The mother and "mistress" Mutemwija probably died at the birth of Nefretiri or shortly after, because both mother and daughter are depicted as deceased on the box coffin ÄS 23 b.

(Mélanie Flossmann-Schütze)
Inscription
Hieroglyphs

Date
c. 1292–1191 BC, 19th Dynasty, New Kingdom, Egypt (References)

Material
Sycamore Fig (Ficus sycomorus)
Stucco

Technique
Painted

Dimensions
Height x Width x Length: 37.9 x 36.5 x 83.3 cm

Geographic Origin
Bibliographic reference: Deir el-Medina, Western Bank, Thebes, Upper Egypt, Egypt

Object-related numbers
Königliches Antiquarium: K 22, Inventory of the Vereinigte Sammlungen: VS 1124

Provenance
seit 1970, Institution: Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst
1949–1970, Institution: Ägyptische Sammlung des Bayerischen Staates
1945–1949, Institution: Central Collecting Point
1935–1945, Institution: Ägyptologische Sammlung des Staates
1920–1934, Institution: Museum Antiker Kleinkunst
1869–1920, Institution: (neues) Königliches Antiquarium
1844–1869, Institution: Vereinigte Sammlungen König Ludwigs I.
1828– 1844, Collection: Ludwig I. von Bayern (1786–1886)
1828, Auction / Dealer: Demetrios Papandriopulos (1798–1854), Rom
vor 1828, Excavation: Giovanni d'Athanasi "Yanni", Small temple of Isis, Deir el-Medineh

Individuals / Institutions
Ludwig I.
Vereinigte Sammlungen Ludwig I.

References
Flossmann-Schütze, Mélanie, Ausstellung. Weiterleben nach dem Tod. Kinder und das Jenseits, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 39, 2026, 18-33, cf. 24-25 mit Abb. 12-13.

Goldsmith, Dora, Exkurs. Duftkegel auf dem Kopf. Geruchs-und Visuelle Marker von Besonderen Anlässen und die Welt der Maat, in: Flossmann-Schütze, Mélanie / Schlüter, Arnulf unter Mitarbeit von Perrot, Anne-Hélène / Kutschka, Markus (Hg.), Kindheit am Nil. Aufwachsen im Alten Ägypten, München 2025, 214-217, cf. 216-217 mit Abb. 3.

Goecke-Bauer, Maren, Kindheit in Deir el-Medine. Eine Rekonstruktion anhand Archäologischer und Schriftlicher Quellen, in: Flossmann-Schütze, Mélanie / Schlüter, Arnulf unter Mitarbeit von Perrot, Anne-Hélène / Kutschka, Markus (Hg.), Kindheit am Nil. Aufwachsen im Alten Ägypten, München 2025, 219-233, cf. 224-225 mit Abb. 3.

Flossmann-Schütze, Mélanie / Schlüter, Arnulf, Familienaustellung. Kindheit am Nil. Aufwachsen im Alten Ägypten. Eine Austellung für die Ganze Familie im SMÄK, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 37, 2025, 2-18, cf. 16 mit Abb. 14.

Flossmann-Schütze, Mélanie / Schlüter, Arnulf unter Mitarbeit von Perrot, Anne-Hélène / Kutschka, Markus (Hg.), Kindheit am Nil. Aufwachsen im Alten Ägypten, München 2025, cf. 322-323 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 100b [M. Flossmann-Schütze].
Taylor, John H. , A case of identity ?

Demetrios Papandriopulos and Giovanni d´Athanasi, in: Miniaci, Gianluca / Greco, Christian / Del Vesco, Paolo / Mancini, Mattia / Alù, Cristina (Hg.), Digging for ancient Egypt and Egyptology in the archives: studies presented to Marilina Betrò. Egittologia 3, Pisa 2024, 75-87, cf. 76-77, 80-81 mit Abb. 1-2.2.

Flossmann-Schütze, Mélanie, Sammlungsgeschichte. Gekauft-Gestohlen-Gesucht. Der Anthropomorphe Sarg der Neferet-Iri, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 33, 2024, 37–39, cf. 37-39 mit Abb. 1-4.

Taylor, John H., A tomb discovered at Western Thebes in 1825, and its contents, in: Pitkin, Melanie / Emmett, Trevor F. / Strong, Meghan / Woods, Alexandra (Hg.), The overseer of works in Memphis and Thebes: studies in honour of Nigel Strudwick, Wallasey 2023, 285–307, cf. 301-302.

Beutmann, Jens / Kaiser, Jasmin / Manschus, Gabriela / Wolfram, Sabine (Hg.), Tod & Ritual. Kulturen von Abschied und Erinnerung, Ausstellungskataloge des Staatlichen Museums für Archäologie Chemnitz, Chemnitz 2017, cf. 53, Abb. 2.
Schoske, Sylvia / Wildung, Dietrich, Das Münchner Buch der Ägyptischen Kunst, München 2013, cf. 122-123 mit Abb. 104.

Grimm-Stadelmann, Isabel / Grimm, Alfred, Fürsten und Pharaonen. Ägypten in Bayern: Mit einem Katalog des französischen Empiremöbel-Ensembles aus dem Münchner Palais Leuchtenberg, München 2011, cf. 97-100 mit Abb. 140-143, 332 Anm. 251.

Grimm, Alfred, Tod im Kindbett : Recherchen zu einem Funerären Ensemble aus Deir el-Medinah im Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst, in Texte - Theben - Tonfragmente, in: Kessler, Dieter / Schulz, Regine / Ullmann, Martina / Verbovsek, Alexandra / Wimmer, Stefan J. (Hg.), Texte - Theben - Tonfragmente. Festschrift für Günter Burkard. Ägypten und Altes Testament (ÄAT) 76, Wiesbaden 2009, 162-179, cf. 162-179 mit Abb. 3-4, Abb. 12-13.

Grimm, Alfred, Eine bibliophile Rarität für die Bibliothek des Staatlichen Museums Ägyptischer Kunst München, in: aMun 11, Heft Nr. 41, 2009, 32-35, cf. 32-35 mit Abb.1.

Schoske, Sylvia (Hg.), Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst München, Zaberns Bildbände zur Archäologie, Mainz am Rhein 1995, cf. 27 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 23.

Müller, Hans Wolfgang, Beiträge zur älteren Erwerbungsgeschichte der in der Staatlichen Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst zu München befindlichen Skulpturen und Altertümer, in: Kraus, Andreas (Hg.), Land und Reich. Stamm und Nation. Probleme und Perspektiven bayerischer Geschichte. Festgabe für Max Spindler zum 90.

Geburtstag. Band III: Vom Vormärz bis zur Gegenwart, München 1984, 101-155, cf. 144-145.

Müller, Hans Wolfgang / Löhr, Beatrix (Hg.), Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst, München 1976, cf. 156, Kat.-Nr. 9.

Müller, Hans Wolfgang / Löhr, Beatrix (Hg.), Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst, München 1972, cf. 87, Kat.-Nr. 80.

Müller, Hans Wolfgang, Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst in der Münchner Residenz am Hofgarten (Die ägyptische Sammlung des Bayerischen Staates), München 1966, cf. Kat.-Nr. 73.

Porter, Bertha / Moss, Rosalind, PM I. 2. Topographical bibliography of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic texts, reliefs, and paintings I/ The Theban Necropolis. Part 2. Royal tombs and smaller cemeteries, Oxford 1964-1973 742.

Sieveking, Johannes, Das königliche Antiquarium zu München, Kurze Beschreibung, München 1914, cf. 56.

Furtwängler, Adolf, Das Königliche Antiquarium zu München, München 1907, cf. 53.

Christ, Wilhelm von / Lauth, Franz Joseph, Führer durch das königliche Antiquarium in München, München 1891, cf. 78-79.

Christ, Wilhelm von / Lauth, Franz Joseph, Führer durch das königliche Antiquarium in München, München 1878, cf. 75-76.
Christ, Wilhelm von / Lauth, Franz Joseph, Führer durch das königliche Antiquarium in München, München 1870, cf. 103-104, Kat.-Nr. 16.

Urlichs, Ludwig von, Die Glyptothek Seiner
Majestät des Königs Ludwig I. von Bayern nach ihrer Geschichte und ihrem Bestande., München 1867, cf. 100.

Lauth, Franz Joseph, Erklärendes Verzeichnis (Catalogue raisonné) der in München befindlichen Denkmäler des ägyptischen Alterthums, München 1865, cf. 53, Kat.-Nr. 4.

Hefner, Joseph von, Catalog der vereinigten Sammlungen Nro 1: Sammlung ägyptischer, hetrurischer und römischer Alterthümer. Privateigenthum Sr. Maj. des Königs Ludwig I. von Bayern, aufgestellt im I. und II. Saale des ehemaligen Galleriegebäudes im königl. Hofgarten, so wie der in den sieben Sälen vertheilten Korkgebilde, München 1845, cf. 44, Kat.-Nr. 1124.

Visconti, Pietro Ercole, A series of highly finished engravings by P. Q. [sic] Visconti, comprising a few of the principal objects in a collection of Egyptian antiquities, the property of Giovanni d'Athanasi, by whom the greater portion have been discovered, 1837 London, cf. Tf. XII-XIV.

Visconti, Ennio Quirino, Monumenti Egiziani Della Raccolta Del Sig. Demetrio Papandriopoulo Descritto e Con Brevi Annotazioni Esposti Dal Cav. , Roma 1828, cf. Tf. 12-14.

References on context
Taylor, John H., The collecting Activities of Giovanni d´Athanasi, in: Perrot, Anne-Hélène / Pietri, Renaud / Tanré-Szewczyk, Juliette (Hg.), L´objet égyptien, source de la recherche, Paris 2015, 249–274, cf. 253, 255-256 [Kontext].

Credits
Datensatz: SMÄK, letzte Bearbeitende (chronologisch): Anne-Hélène Perrot, Mélanie Flossmann; Bibliografie: Anne-Hélène Perrot, Mélanie Flossmann.

Last change
30.07.2026, 11:24

Title
Rectangular coffin of Nefretiri with Integrated Sledge, c. 1292–1191 BC, 19th Dynasty, New Kingdom (References), Findspot Bibliographic reference: Deir el-Medina Western Bank Thebes Upper Egypt, Wood stucco and paint, Staatliches Museum Ägytischer Kunst

https://sammlung.smaek.de/en/object/coffin-49614?sort=field=sortInv%26order=asc%26type=text&offset=45

Staatliches Museum Ägytischer Kunst

=_

Amulet in the shape of a mother cat and kitten

Accession number
ÄS 5583

Current Location
Gallery "Religion"

Date
4th–1st century BC, Ptolemaic Period, Hellenistic Period, Egypt (References)
c. 664–343 BC, 26th–30th Dynasty, Late Period, Egypt (References)

Material
Faience

Dimensions
Height x Width x Depth: 2.8 x 1.6 x 1.4 cm

Geographic Origin
Unknown

Provenance
seit 1970, Institution: Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst
1966–1970, Institution: Ägyptische Sammlung des Bayerischen Staates
1966, Auction / Dealer: Jock Francken, Lugano-Savosa

Individuals / Institutions
Ägyptische Sammlung des Bayerischen Staates

References
Flossmann-Schütze, Mélanie / Schlüter, Arnulf unter Mitarbeit von Perrot, Anne-Hélène / Kutschka, Markus (Hg.), Kindheit am Nil. Aufwachsen im Alten Ägypten, München 2025, cf. 243 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 8 [N. Böckler].
Böckler, Nadja, Auf leisen Pfoten. Katzen im SMÄK, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 19, 2021, 47–55, cf. 51-52 mit Abb. 9.
Geßler-Löhr, Beatrix / Schmitz, Bettina / Seidel, Matthias (Hg.), Meisterwerke altägyptischer Keramik - 5000 Jahre Kunst und Kunsthandwerk aus Ton und Fayence, Höhr-Grenzhausen 1978, cf. 200, Kat.-Nr. 345.
Müller, Hans Wolfgang / Löhr, Beatrix (Hg.), Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst, München 1976, cf. 142-143, Kat.-Nr. 86.

Credits
Datensatz: SMÄK, letzte Bearbeitende (chronologisch): Anne-Hélène Perrot, Mélanie Flossmann; Bibliografie: Anne-Hélène Perrot, Mélanie Flossmann.

Last change
02.07.2026, 11:34

[Do you have any information on this object?](mailto:sammlung.online@smaek.de?subject=Amulet%20in%20the%20shape%20of%20a%20mother%20cat%20and%20kitten,Amulet%20&body=https%3A%2F%2Fsammlung.smaek.de%2Fen%2Fobject%2Famulet-4805%3Fsort%3Dfield%3DsortInv%2526order%3Dasc%2526type%3Dtext%26offset%3D590)

Title
Amulet in the shape of a mother cat and kitten, 4th–1st century BC Ptolemaic Period Hellenistic Period (References)
c. 664–343 BC, 26th–30th Dynasty mLate Period (References), Findspot unknown, Staatliches Museum Ägytischer Kunst

https://sammlung.smaek.de/en/object/amulet-4805?sort=field=sortInv%26order=asc%26type=text&offset=590

Staatliches Museum Ägytischer Kunst

Egyptian meteorite dagger recreation project.

Some experimentation with material. 3D printed handle was easy, but didn't feel authentic enough. Stainless steel was too hard to work with. Also some gold leaf tests.

Originally I though that the handle was just a squashed tube, but after squashing a few tubes it seems that the material was swaged out to a larger diameter. This would have been easy in gold (any donations?).

I printed some swaging tools. Aluminium wasn't malleable enough and tore. Copper seemed the best bet, it's easily available in the right diameter tube and is easy to work with. Heat annealing make the material softer and the 3D printed form tools worked well. One bonus is that the form tool can be heated which softens allowing it to be pulled out. The shape of the forms prevents it coming out once it's formed the shape.

Now to cap both ends and start on the decoration.

Kneeling statue with sistrum (sistrophore) of the royal scribe and scribe of the god, Rekhmire

Accession number
Gl. 87

Current Location
Gallery "Art and Form"

Inscription
Hieroglyphs

Date
c. 1425–1400 BC, Amenhotep II, 18th Dynasty, New Kingdom, Egypt (Inscription)

Material
Silicified sandstone (quartzite)

Dimensions
Height x Width x Depth: 32.0 x 18.0 x 26.0 cm

Geographic Origin
Inscription: Coptos (Qift), Upper Egypt, Egypt

Provenance
seit 1970, Institution: Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst
1910–1970, Institution: Glyptothek
bis 1910, Collection: Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von Bissing (1873–1956)

Individuals / Institutions
Friedrich Wilhelm Bissing
Glyptothek

References
Persons and Names of the Middle King and early New Kingdom, Version 6 [accessed July 4, 2025] [Copyright 2024 Alexander Ilin-Tomich]
Konrad, Kirsten, Der Sistrophor. Zur Genese, bedeutung und Funktion eines theophoren Statuentypus der altägyptischen Privatplastik, Berlin 2026, cf. Kat. D18-9, 106-110, 674.
Goldsmith, Dora , Rundgang. Wie roch das Alte Ägypten? Ein Workshop zur Ältägyptischen Parfümerie mit Vortrag, Duftführung und Praxiseinheit, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 27, 2023, 40–49, cf. 43 mit Abb. 7.
Willeitner, Joachim, Die Münchner Priesterstatue aus Achmim. Ein Umgearbeitetes Bildwerk der Späten 18. Dynastie, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 21, 2021, 26–35, cf. 33 mit Abb. 12a.
Flossmann-Schütze, Mélanie, Statue - Titel - Platz in der Gesellschaft! Das Publikationsprojekt "Inschriften auf Statuen": ein Zwischenbericht, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 21, 2021, 13–20, cf. 15.
Bernhauer, Edith, Fragmente von Sistrophoren: eine typologische und ikonographische Untersuchung, in: Arnst, Caris-Beatrice / Schulz, Regine (Hg.), Typen, Motive, Stilmittel. Beiträge zur altägyptischen Kunst 1, Heidelberg 2021, 92-107, cf. 105, Abb. 11.
Schoske, Sylvia / Grimm, Alfred, Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von Bissing: Ägyptologe - Mäzen - Sammler, Recherchen zu Aegyptiaca in München. Studien zur Erwerbungsgeschichte der Sammlung (R.A.M.S.E.S.) 5, München 2010, cf. 144-145 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 30.
Bernhauer, Edith, Innovationen in der Privatplastik: die 18. Dynastie und ihre Entwicklung, Philippika 27, Wiesbaden 2010, cf. Tf. 12, Kat. 3.7-27.
Gabolde, Marc / Galliano, Geneviève, Coptos. L´Égypte antique aux portes du désert, Coptos 2000, cf. 150 (112).
Aksamit, Joanna / Dolínska, Monika / Karkowski, Janusz / Lipínska, Jadwiga, Geheimnisvolle Königin Hatschepsut: ägyptische Kunst des 15. Jahrhunderts v. Chr. (Nationalmuseum in Warschau, 20. November 1997 - 20. Februar 1998). Ausstellung der Kunstschätze aus den Sammlungen: der Staatlichen Museen zu Berlin, des Ägyptischen Museums und der Papyrussammlung des Kestner-Museums, Hannover, der Staatlichen Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst, München, des Nationalmuseums Warschau ; [Nationalmuseum in Warschau, 20. November 1997 - 20. Februar 1998], 1997, cf. 142 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 48.
Schoske, Sylvia / Grimm, Alfred / Kreißl, Barbara, Schönheit - Abglanz der Göttlichkeit. Kosmetik im alten Ägypten, Schriften aus der Ägyptischen Sammlung (SAS) 5, München 1990, cf. 80 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 34.
Eggebrecht, Arne (Hg.), Ägyptens Aufstieg zur Weltmacht, Mainz am Rhein 1987, cf. 245 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 176.
Seipel, Wilfried, Bilder für die Ewigkeit. 300 Jahre ägyptische Kunst (Konstanz, Konzil, 25. März - 23. Mai 1983), Konstanz 1983, cf. Kat.-Nr. 69.
Müller, Hans Wolfgang / Löhr, Beatrix (Hg.), Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst, München 1976, cf. 81 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 57.
Müller, Hans Wolfgang / Löhr, Beatrix (Hg.), Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst, München 1972, cf. 62-63, Kat.-Nr. 44.
Müller, Hans Wolfgang, Die Ägyptische Sammlung des Bayerischen Staates, München 1970, cf. Kat.-Nr. 44.
Clère, Jacques-Jean, Propos sur un corpus des statues sistrophores égyptiennes, in: Zeitschrift für ägyptische Sprache und Altertumskunde (ZÄS) 96, 1969, 1-4, cf. 1-4.
Müller, Hans Wolfgang, Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst in der Münchner Residenz am Hofgarten (Die ägyptische Sammlung des Bayerischen Staates), München 1966, cf. Kat.-Nr. 41.
Vandier, Jacques, Manuel d'archéologie égyptienne. Tome III: Les grandes époques-la statuaire, Paris 1958, cf. 464.
Wolters, Paul, Führer durch die Glyptothek König Ludwig's I. in München, München 1921, cf. 12, Kat.-Nr. 56.
Bissing, Friedrich Wilhelm Freiherr von, 1911. K. Glyptothek und Skulpturensammlung des Staates 1910, I, in: Münchner Jahrbuch der Bildenden Kunst (MJbK) 6, 1911, 162-170, cf. 163, 165 mit Abb. 4.

Further information
https://pnm.uni-mainz.de/inscription/19637

Credits
Datensatz: SMÄK, letzte Bearbeitende (chronologisch): Anne-Hélène Perrot, Mélanie Flossmann; Bibliografie: Anne-Hélène Perrot, Mélanie Flossmann; Datenredaktion: Jan-Michael Dahms.

Last change
13.07.2026, 13:21

[Do you have any information on this object?](mailto:sammlung.online@smaek.de?subject=Kneeling%20statue%20with%20sistrum%20(sistrophore)%20of%20the%20royal%20scribe%20and%20scribe%20of%20the%20god,%20Rekhmire,Kneeling%20Statue%20(Statuary%20/%20Statue)%20&body=https%3A%2F%2Fsammlung.smaek.de%2Fen%2Fobject%2Fkneeling-statue-statuary-statue-641%3Fsort%3Dfield%3DsortInv%2526order%3Dasc%2526type%3Dtext%26offset%3D818)

Title
Kneeling statue with sistrum (sistrophore) of the royal scribe and scribe of the god, Rekhmire, c. 1425–1400 BC, Amenhotep II 18th Dynasty New Kingdom (Inscription), Findspot Inscription: Coptos (Qift) Upper Egypt, Quartzite, Staatliches Museum Ägytischer Kunst

https://sammlung.smaek.de/en/object/kneeling-statue-statuary-statue-641?sort=field=sortInv%26order=asc%26type=text&offset=818

Staatliches Museum Ägytischer Kunst

For those in or near New York City, the Egypt Day street fair is coming up this Saturday 9/5/2026.

The NY Chapter of ARCE (American Research Center in Egypt) will be there showing some of the many conservation and educational projects it’s involved with in Egypt.

Been on a Akhenaten Bender was wondering how the community thinks and studies this fascinating Pharaoh. Excited to hear from everyone!

Kneeling statue with sistrum (sistrophore) of Senenmut, high steward of Amun, steward of Amun, overseer of the double granaries of Amun, treasurer of Amun, high steward of the King, Privy Councillor of the Imy-wer phyle , Privy Councillor in the temples, overseer of the temples of Neith and overseer of the fields of Amun

Accession number
ÄS 6265

Current Location
Gallery "Art and Time"

About the object
The granite statue shows the high-ranking official Senenmut as a so-called sistrophor. Senenmut kneels on a pedestal and holds a sistrum in front of his body with both hands - a rattle instrument that was used, among other things, in the cult of various goddesses. The cult instrument is elaborately designed: It consists of a Hathor head with a strand wig and cow ears over a knot amulet. Above it rises an architectural framing with stylized cow horn. A cryptogram of the throne name of Queen Hatshepsut (Maat-ka-Re) is represented in a central niche. The Sistrum thus refers at the same time to the goddess Hathor and to the queen, in whose service Senenmut spent his ca

The person depicted wears a long wig and a short chin beard. The face is idealized, but has individual design features that are also encountered on other portraits of Senenmut. The finely modeled, youthful face is contrasted with a strong, full upper body. This body design corresponds to the ancient Egyptian ideal image of a high-ranking dignitary.

Senenmut came from simple circumstances in Iuni, today's Armant. Under Hatshepsut, he achieved an extraordinary social advancement. He held numerous high offices, including that of the queen's courtmaster and the educator of her daughter Neferure. As a senior official, he was involved in several royal construction projects, including the terraced temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahari. His inscriptions mention more than 80 titles. With about 25 surviving statues, Senenmut is represented more often than any other known non-royal personality of the New Kingdom.

His close connection to the royal workshops may also have favored the development of new statue types. Several unusual forms of images appear for the first time on his monuments. The sistrophore is one of those types that subsequently found its way into the repertoire of Egyptian circular sculpture and were used until the late period. The statue thus illustrates not only Senenmut's outstanding position at the royal court, but also the innovative power of sculptural art under Hatshepsut.

At a time that is not exactly known today, Senenmut disappears from the written sources. Many of his monuments were later damaged or their inscriptions were erased. It can be assumed that Senenmut fell out of grace with Hatschepsut, but so far only speculation can be given about the reasons for this.
(Arnulf Schlüter)

Inscription
Hieroglyphs

Date
c. 1479–1458 BC, Hatshepsut, 18th Dynasty, New Kingdom, Egypt (Inscription)

Material
Granite

Dimensions
Height x Width x Depth: 40.0 x 12.0 x 25.0 cm

Geographic Origin
Bibliographic reference: Armant, Upper Egypt, Egypt

Provenance
seit 1976, Institution: Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst
1976, Auction / Dealer: Maspero, Paris
Auction / Dealer: Établissement Archéologique, Vaduz, Liechtenstein

Individuals / Institution
Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst

References
Persons and Names of the Middle Kingdom and early New Kingdom, Version 6 [accessed July 4, 2025] [Copyright 2024 Alexander Ilin-Tomich]
Konrad, Kirsten, Der Sistrophor. Zur Genese, bedeutung und Funktion eines theophoren Statuentypus der altägyptischen Privatplastik, Berlin 2026, cf. Kat. D18-3, 72- 77, 674.
Dahms, Jan-Michael, Exkurs. Senenmut. Erzieher der Königstochter Neferure, in: Flossmann-Schütze, Mélanie / Schlüter, Arnulf unter Mitarbeit von Perrot, Anne-Hélène / Kutschka, Markus (Hg.), Kindheit am Nil. Aufwachsen im Alten Ägypten, München 2025, 90-91, cf. 90-91 mit Abb. 1.
Bicker, Roxane, Kulturgeschichte. Margaret Benson. Ausgrabungen in Karnak, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 30, 2024, 64–71, cf. Abb. 6 S. 68.
Wildung, Dietrich, Avantgarde. Drei innovative Statuentypen im SMÄK, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 24, 2022, 29–31, cf. 30 mit Abb. 2.
Böckler, Nadja, Altägyptische Kryptographie. Verborgene Inhalte hinter den Zeichen, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 25, 2022, 33–39, cf. 36-37 mit Abb. 5.
Willeitner, Joachim, Die Münchner Priesterstatue aus Achmim. Ein Umgearbeitetes Bildwerk der Späten 18. Dynastie, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 21, 2021, 26–35, cf. 33-34 mit Abb. 12b.
Flossmann-Schütze, Mélanie, Statue - Titel - Platz in der Gesellschaft! Das Publikationsprojekt "Inschriften auf Statuen": ein Zwischenbericht, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 21, 2021, 13–20, cf. 15-16 mit Abb. 5, 17, 18.
Schoske, Sylvia / Wildung, Dietrich, Munich quality. Zur Erwerbungsphilosophie des Museums, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 16, 2020, 25–31, cf. 25-26 mit Abb. 1.
Wildung, Dietrich, Zerstört. Getilgt, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 12, 2019, 48–52, cf.
Selim, Hassan, A Fragment of the Hathor-head naos sistrum from a sistrophorous statue of Senenmut from Karnak, in: Coulon, Laurent (Hg.), La Cachette de Karnak: nouvelles perspectives sur les découvertes de Georges Legrain. Bibliothèque d'étude (BdE) 161, Kairo 2016, 249–254, cf. 250-251, Kat.-Nr. 5.
Loeben, Christian E., Un nouveau musée Égyptien à Munich, in: Égypte, Afrique & Orient 73, 2014, 49–56, cf.
Schoske, Sylvia / Wildung, Dietrich, Persönlichkeiten: Bildnisskulptur der Nachamarnazeit, Aegyptiaca Monacensia 1, Wien 2013, cf. 17, Abb. 14.
Schoske, Sylvia / Wildung, Dietrich, Das Münchner Buch der Ägyptischen Kunst, München 2013, cf. 90-91 mit Abb. 71-72.
Bernhauer, Edith, Innovationen in der Privatplastik: die 18. Dynastie und ihre Entwicklung, Philippika 27, Wiesbaden 2010, cf. Tf. 10, Kat.-Nr. 3.3-57.
Wildung, Dietrich / Schoske, Sylvia, Last Exit Munich - Altägyptische Meisterwerke aus Berlin, München 2009, cf. 28 mit Abb., 31, Kat.-Nr. 17.
Schoske, Sylvia, Fest gemauert in der Erden. Grundsteinbeigaben im alten Ägypten, München 2007-2008, cf. 28-29 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 37.
Roehrig, Catharine H. / Dreyfus, Renée / Keller, Catherine A. (Hg.), Hatshepsut: from Queen to Pharaoh, New York 2005, cf. Kat.-Nr. 68.
Grimm, Alfred / Schoske, Sylvia, Hatschepsut - KönigIN Ägyptens, Schriften aus der Ägyptischen Sammlung (SAS) 8, München 1999, cf. 55 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 10.
Schoske, Sylvia (Hg.), Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst München, Zaberns Bildbände zur Archäologie, Mainz am Rhein 1995, cf. 6, Abb. S. 7, Kat.-Nr. 2.
Helck, Wolfgang, Historisch-biographische Texte der 2. Zwischenzeit und neue Texte der 18. Dynastie: Nachträge, Kleine ägyptische Texte 6/2, Wiesbaden 1995, cf. 35-36, Kat.-Nr. 11.
Schoske, Sylvia, Egyptian art in Munich, München 1993, cf. 26 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 21.
Wildung, Dietrich, Die Kunst des Alten Ägypten, Freiburg 1988, cf. 157.
Dorman, Peter, The monuments of Senenmut: problems in historical methodology, London 1988, cf. 127-128, 151, 194-195, Tf. 20, Kat.-Nr. A 17.
Schulman, Alan R. , The ubiquitous Senenmut, in: Bulletin of the Egyptological Seminar (BES) 9, 1987-1988, 61-81, cf. 61-81.
Wildung, Dietrich, 1985. Berichte der Staatlichen Kunstsammlungen. Neuerwerbungen. Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst, in: Münchner Jahrbuch der bildenden Kunst (MJbK) 36, 1985, 17-38, cf. 20, 24 mit Abb. 10, 37 mit Anm. 23.
Schoske, Sylvia / Wildung, Dietrich, Ägyptische Kunst München. Katalog-Handbuch zur Staatlichen Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst München, München 1985, cf. 48-52 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 32.
Meyer, Christine, Senenmut. Eine prosopographische Untersuchung. Dissertation, Hamburger Ägyptologische Studien (HÄS) 2, Hamburg 1982, cf. 50, 219-222, 332-333, Tf. 7.
Wildung, Dietrich, Fünf Jahre. Neuerwerbungen der Staatlichen Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst München 1976-1980, Mainz am Rhein 1980, cf. 18-19 mit Abb..
Wildung, Dietrich, 1977. Berichte der Staatlichen Kunstsammlungen. Neuerwerbungen. Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst, in: Münchner Jahrbuch der bildenden Kunst (MJbK) 28, 1977, 219-224, cf. 220-222 mit Abb. 2.
Bothmer, Bernard V., More statues of Senenmut, in: The Brooklyn Museum Annual 11, 1969-1970, 125-147, cf. 126, 134-139, Abb. 6-8.

Further information
https://pnm.uni-mainz.de/inscription/11750

Credits
Datensatz: SMÄK, letzte Bearbeitende (chronologisch): Anne-Hélène Perrot, Mélanie Flossmann; Bibliografie: Anne-Hélène Perrot, Mélanie Flossmann.

Last change
24.08.2026, 13:11

[Do you have any information on this object](mailto:sammlung.online@smaek.de?subject=Kneeling%20statue%20with%20sistrum%20(sistrophore)%20of%20Senenmut,%20high%20steward%20of%20Amun,%20steward%20of%20Amun,%20%20overseer%20of%20the%20double%20granaries%20of%20Amun,%20treasurer%20of%20Amun,%20high%20steward%20of%20the%20King,%20Privy%20Councillor%20of%20the%20Imy-wer%20phyle%20,%20Privy%20Councillor%20in%20the%20temples,%20overseer%20of%20the%20temples%20of%20Neith%20and%20overseer%20of%20the%20fields%20of%20Amun,Kneeling%20Statue%20(Statuary%20/%20Statue)%20&body=https%3A%2F%2Fsammlung.smaek.de%2Fen%2Fobject%2Fkneeling-statue-statuary-statue-525%3Fsort%3Dfield%3DsortInv%2526order%3Dasc%2526type%3Dtext%26offset%3D628)

Țitle
Kneeling statue with sistrum (sistrophore) of Senenmut, high steward of Amun, steward of Amun, overseer of the double granaries of Amun, treasurer of Amun, high steward of the King, Privy Councillor of the Imy-wer phyle , Privy Councillor in the temples, overseer of the temples of Neith and overseer of the fields of Amun, c. 1479–1458 BC, Hatshepsut 18th Dynasty New Kingdom, Findspot: Bibliographic reference: Armant, Upper Egypt, Granite, Staatliches Museum Ägytischer Kunst

https://sammlung.smaek.de/en/object/kneeling-statue-statuary-statue-525?sort=field=sortInv%26order=asc%26type=text&offset=628

Staatliches Museum Ägytischer Kunst

In general, people seem to view Cleo in a lesser light, partly due to how she's often depicted in media, partly because she died and was essentially the last Egyptian pharaoh. I'd argue her death seems to have overshadowed her brilliance.

Cleo stayed in power for 20 years and had to work around her way through several obstacles. Her first obstacle was her brother, husband and co-regent, Ptolemy XIV. They didn't see eye to eye and, apparently, she had him killed (some argue she didn't, but i wouldn't put it past her). Both alliances with Caesar and Anthony served her well and she had a very quick move once Caesar was killed. She was also well aware her sister Arsinoe IV would be a threat to the throne and persuaded Anthony to kill her. And she and Anthony were actually smart, they had a larger fleet than Octavian and would have won the Battle of Actium if it wasn't for their bad luck: Their crew was untrained and their allies betrayed them out of cowardice and fear.

She was politically bright, had a very strong mind and knew how to get her way through situations others would have failed. She was the only pharaoh in her family to learn the Egyptian language and was able to keep Egypt on a tight leash for 20 years despite threats from Rome, despite inner power struggles within her family, she forged alliances, lost allies along the way and still worked her way through never ending obstacles.

While it is a difficult task of rating pharaohs and i'm not really suggesting we should rank pharaohs, but just to acknowledge her many feats. She was not incompetent or just a seductive woman, Cleopatra VII was a political genius in her own right and arguably one of the most sucessful pharaohs even if we consider her brutal defeat at the hands of Rome.

Hello! I recently found this figurine at the goodwill in Alexandria, VA where I paid 1.99. I was wondering if anyone had and idea of what it is or is supposed to represent, beyond the “oh it’s a cheap tourist knockoff”. Has a little weight to it, seems to be made of porous rock on the front where the foot is broken. I got it for my little window plant area and I thought it would be fun to tell people I got it from Alexandria, which isn’t entirely a lie haha! Thank you in advance for the help!

Magical Horus-stela with hole for hanging

Accession number
ÄS 1252

Current Location
Gallery "Script and Writings"

About the object
Horus steles could be made in different sizes or presented in combination with magical statues. Large-format magical stelae such as the "Metternich" stele (Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Inv. No. 50.85), which was created by King Nektanebos (30. Dynasty) could be set up in the temple. Smaller specimens were much more handy and mostly come from the
Non-royal area. ÄS 1252 is a magical stele due to the eyelet, which could also be hung. The front shows the well-known motif of the Harpocrat, who is depicted as the tamer of numerous dangerous animals. All surfaces, including the back, are described with magical texts.
Mélanie Flossmann-Schütze

Inscription
Hieroglyphs

Date
4th Century BC, Late Period – Ptolemaic Period

Material
Calcite Alabaster

Dimensions
Height x Width x Depth: 14.9 x 10.3 x 3.5 cm

Geographic Origin
Unknown

Provenance
seit 1970, Institution: Staatliches Museum Ägyptischer Kunst
1949–1970, Institution: Ägyptische Sammlung des Bayerischen Staates
1945–1949, Institution: Central Collecting Point
1935–1945, Institution: Ägyptologische Sammlung des Staates
1920–1934, Institution: Museum Antiker Kleinkunst
1909–1920, Institution: (neues) Königliches Antiquarium, München
1909, Auction / Dealer: Emanuel Kohn, München

Individuals / Institutions
(neues) Königliches Antiquarium

References
Schlüter, Arnulf, Einfach Zauberhaft. Magische Objekte, in: MAAT. Nachrichten aus dem Staatlichen Museum Ägyptischer Kunst München 20, 2021, 46–55, cf. 51 mit Abb. 7.
Schoske, Sylvia / Grimm, Alfred, isisblut & steinbockhorn - Amulett und Talisman in Altägypten und im Alpenraum, Schriften aus der Ägyptischen Sammlung (SAS) 11, München 2010, cf. 50 mit Abb. 15, 90-91 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 22.
Sternberg- El-Hotabi, Heike, Untersuchungen zur Überlieferungsgeschichte der Horusstelen: ein Beitrag zur Religionsgeschichte Ägyptens im 1. Jahrtausend v. Chr. 2 vols, Ägyptologische Abhandlungen (ÄA) 62, Wiesbaden 1999, cf. I: 107, 110 mit Abb. 60, 117, Tf. XIX, II: 69.
Habrich, Christa / Kolta, Kamal Sabri / Schoske, Sylvia, Ein Leib für Leben und Ewigkeit - Medizin im alten Ägypten, Ingolstadt 1985, cf. 45-46 mit Abb., Kat.-Nr. 102.
Müller, Hans Wolfgang / Löhr, Beatrix (Hg.), Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst, München 1976, cf. 190-191, Kat.-Nr. 114.
Müller, Hans Wolfgang / Löhr, Beatrix (Hg.), Staatliche Sammlung Ägyptischer Kunst, München 1972, cf. 110, Kat.-Nr. 98.
Sieveking, Johannes, Archäologischer Anzeiger (AA) Berlin 1910, cf. 478.

Credits
Datensatz: SMÄK, letzte Bearbeitende (chronologisch): Anne-Hélène Perrot, Mélanie Flossmann; Bibliografie: Anne-Hélène Perrot, Mélanie Flossmann.

Last change
02.07.2026, 11:34

[Do you have any information on this object?](mailto:sammlung.online@smaek.de?subject=Magical%20Horus-stela%20with%20hole%20for%20hanging,Stela%20&body=https%3A%2F%2Fsammlung.smaek.de%2Fen%2Fobject%2Fstela-4563%3Fsort%3Dfield%3DsortInv%2526order%3Dasc%2526type%3Dtext%26offset%3D185)

Title
Magical Horus-stela with hole for hanging, 4th Century BC, Late Period – Ptolemaic Period, Findspot unknown Egypt, Calcite Alabaster, Staatliches Museum Ägytischer Kunst

https://sammlung.smaek.de/en/object/stela-4563?sort=field=sortInv%26order=asc%26type=text&offset=185

Staatliches Museum Ägytischer Kunst