Block Statue of Kha-em-Waset

This piece is a small serpentine, New Kingdom, block statue of Kha-em-Waset. Kha-em-Waset was a noble who held the titles of Fan-Bearer and Chief of Works in the Temple of Amun. This statue would have been placed as a votive in the temple of Amun. Kha-em-Waset sits with his knees drawn up upon a rectangular bench, which in turn rests upon a rectangular base. The back right corner of the base is missing. There is a rectangular back plinth behind him. He wears a long, smooth, ankle-length garment. The outlines of his legs are visible in profile and his arms are visible within the garment as well. His arms are folded and hands rest flat upon his upper arms. An insignia on his upper right arm identifies him as belonging to the Temple of Amun. There are two vertical columns of hieroglyphics text on the front of his garment and on the back plinth. A single horizontal band of text surrounds the base. His wig is a New Kingdom combination of delicate wavy strands over plaited curls. His eyes are large and recall the orientalized almond-shaped eyes of Amenhotep III. His lips are thick and form a slight smile. His ears are unusually pointed. He has a short, squared beard.

Inscription

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

Dikran Kelekian, New York and Paris, [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Henry Walters, Baltimore, [date of acquisition unknown] by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.