Kneeling Statue of Raia and Ptah

myminifactory

This sculpture dates back to approximately 1275 BC and features Raia, a high-ranking official in the sanctuary of Ptah, the chief deity of Memphis. In this depiction, Ptah is represented as standing atop a hill from which the world was believed to have been created. Inscriptions on the pedestal and shrine list both Raia's name and Osiris', emphasizing their connection. The naos' side bears an image of a djed-pillar, a symbol associated with Osiris, representing sustenance and fertility. Raia held a position within the administration of Ptah's great temple in Memphis. His tomb image is marked with "House of Ptah" on its upper arms to stress his association with this deity throughout eternity. The sculpture itself is crafted from fine white limestone. Given its inscriptions, it likely originated from a grave in Saqqara, Memphis' cemetery. Another image of the same owner can be found in Cambridge. The figure depicted is shown kneeling and offering a devout gesture towards a naos, a small shrine for gods. This naos represents Ptah, the Lord of Truth. It stands on a base shaped like an oerheuvel, the place from which, according to solar theology, the world was created. During the New Kingdom period, this type of image with a naos was common. Characteristically, images from this era feature round, full faces. Raia is depicted wearing a broad ceremonial wig and a long, pleated skirt without a shirt. On top of the naos stands Osiris, Raia's supervisor in the temple area, who found his voice. The hieroglyphics on the frame contain prayers directed to Ptah, Lord of Truth, Sokar, and the Lord of the Shetyt shrine. They ask for pleasant breezes from the north for the Ka of Ptah's Head Administration and Raia, who found his voice. On the naos' left side is a large djed-pillar, representing Osiris' backbone and symbolizing sustainability. Two human-headed falcons with solar disks and godly beards are the ba's, the souls of Re. They represent life, which arises each day at dawn on the eastern horizon from the dead body of Osiris. Around the base is a prayer text offering to Ptah-Sokar and Osiris, gods of necropolis and Hades. The image features a wig rising behind the pillar. This reads: "Oh, Anubis, in your swaddling clothes, laying First of Ankh-tawi [Memphite necropolis name], may you put your hands on the Osiris Raia, may you embrace his limbs and secure."