Block Statue of Djedbastetiufankh

c. 664–610 BCE

Egypt, Late period (715–332 BCE), Dynasties 25–26

Medium

limestone

Measurements

Overall: 26.1 x 14 x 19.2 cm (10 1/4 x 5 1/2 x 7 9/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of the John Huntington Art and Polytechnic Trust 1914.661

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Location

107 Egyptian

Description

There are two basic types of Egyptian statues: tomb statues and temple statues. The Bust of Ankh-Hor and the Block Statue of Djedbastetiufankh in this case are temple statues. The compact form of the block statue appealed to Egyptian sculptors because it was virtually unbreakable. It represents the subject squatting on the ground, arms crossed over his knees. His long, enveloping mantle is contoured to his body shape, so that it resembles a cube. From the position of the arms, it is evident that the Bust of Ankh-Hor originally belonged to a striding figure holding a naos, or shrine, containing the image of a deity. His high.waisted wraparound robe, fashionable during the Persian Period (Dynasty 27) when this figure was carved, would have reached to his ankles.