Idi, the Count and Overseer of Priests

Idi, the Count and Overseer of Priests
Egypt, Abydos (?)
Old Kingdom, Dynasty 6, ca. 2350-2190 B.C.
Quartzite
(60.46)
Gift of Mr. Leonard Epstein; ex Eid collection

Egyptian art functioned for religious purposes and primarily in religious settings. Sculptures like this figure were carved for inclusion in a tomb, to help maintain the deceased in life after death. Food, offerings, and rituals enabled the deceased to attain a semi-divine existence with free access to the whole universe. This seated figure holds his hands in a position characteristic of sculpture carved in the later Old Kingdom. His facial features and the shape of his wig are also typical. An inscription on the right side of the seat gives his name as Idi, an unusual one for the Old Kingdom but attested in this period at Abydos. Possibly the Idi of the statue was a native of that city.

Copyright © 2007 The Curators of the University of Missouri | DMCA | all rights reserved
An equal opportunity/affirmative action institution

Museum of Art and Archaeology | College of Arts and Science | University of Missouri
1 Pickard Hall | Columbia, MO 65211-1420 | phone: 573-882-3591 | fax: 573-884-4039 | Email the museum
accredited by the American Association of Museums

Museum Hours
Tuesday through Friday:
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday:
Noon - 4:00 pm
Closed Holidays

Admission is free and open to the public.
The Museum is ADA Accessible.