Egyptian Priest of Amun Statue

Block statues showing seated figures with their knees drawn up under a cloak could be placed in temples by those who were granted permission. There they could share offerings for the gods and become spectators at religious festivals. The broad surfaces provided space for prayers to be inscribed and the compact shape made the sculpture resistant to damage. 

Although few private stone statues were made during Dynasty XXI (c. 1070 – 945 BCE), Dynasties XXII through XXV (c. 945 – 653 BCE) witnessed their revival. Among the first sculptural types to reappear was the block statue, a distinctly Egyptian blending of abstract and naturalistic forms. The broad expanses of these squatting figures' robes often reflect another aspect of Third Intermediate Period art: a penchant for adorning a statue's garments with religious texts, symbols, and scenes.

This statue's main texts invoke Amun and Montu of Thebes on Harsiese's behalf, indicating the sculpture's probable provenance. The scenes of Osiris and of Harsiese adoring a symbol of Osiris are appeals for the perpetual favor of that deity. The statue is dated by details of its form and style. Some elements, such as the plain double wig and long, narrowly opened eyes, began to appear about 780 – 760 BCE.

This statue was inspired by the ancient Egyptian Priest of Amun statue. It comes in a box with hieroglyphic designs- perfect for gifting!  

Experience ancient Egyptian culture and see how life flourished along the banks of the Nile in Auckland Museum's exhibition - Egypt: In the Time of Pharaohs. 

Made in Cairo, Egypt