Reserve head
4th Dynasty, reign of Khufu, ca. 2609-2584 BC
Reserve heads have been found in the substructure of tombs. Only a few more than 30 examples are known from the reign of Khufu. Their precise function remains unclear down to the present. Probably the purposeful damage to the ears and to the back and crown of the head had some magical function; it stands in marked contrast to the careful carving of the sculpture.
Reserve heads have been found in the substructure of tombs. Only a few more than 30 examples are known from the reign of Khufu. Their precise function remains unclear down to the present. Probably the purposeful damage to the ears and to the back and crown of the head had some magical function; it stands in marked contrast to the careful carving of the sculpture.
Time:
4th Dynasty, reign of Khufu, ca. 2609-2584 BC
Object Name
Head
Culture
Ägyptisch
Location of discovery:
Giza, Mastaba G. 4350
Material/technology:
Limestone
Dimensions:
H 27,7 cm, B 17,3 cm, T 24,5 cm, G (gesamt) ca. 17 kg
Copyright
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Ägyptisch - Orientalische Sammlung
Invs.
Ägyptische Sammlung, INV 7787
Provenance
1912/13, excavated by the Academy of Sciences, Vienna