Seated Statue of Maya and Meryt

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In this magnificent statue, Maya, Director of the Treasury, and his wife Meryt are depicted as recipients of lavish food offerings. They are adorned in their finest attire, with the statue bearing clear evidence of having been painted at one time. Unfortunately, the white fabric has now yellowed over time. Maya held a significant position as interior minister and finance for both Tutankhamun and Horemheb, serving as principal advisor to these pharaohs. He commissioned a grand tomb for himself and his wife Merit adjacent to that of Horemheb in Saqqara. Three grave images of Maya and Meryt have been discovered since 1829 in Leiden. Their role was to receive substitute offerings for the deceased and serve as a dwelling place for the Ka, the life force of the departed. The portrait of Maya and Meryt showcases them in their finest attire, awaiting food offerings. They wear delicate linen robes and Maya holds a napkin in his hand. A separate image of Meryt displays her holding a menat, a musical instrument from the Amoncultus. As a singer of Amun, Meryt's role was to provide sacred music for the temple hymns. The excavation project carried out by the Egypt Exploration Society and the National Museum of Antiquities between 1975 and 1999 uncovered several New Kingdom tombs in Saqqara. After the rediscovery of Horemheb's tomb, as well as that of Tia, the brother of Ramses II, in 1986, Maya's tomb was also excavated. The three images discovered in Leiden are typical grave portraits, serving as food recipients in the sacrificial cult. They functioned as cases for the Ka, or life principle, of the proposed individuals. The group portrait showcases Maya and Meryt sitting on a chair with lion paws, waiting to be served with food and drink. Meryt tenderly places her left arm around her husband. Both are dressed in their finest attire: Meryt wears a long dress with a shawl, while Maya sports a thin shirt and a skirt adorned with a triangular apron. Their wigs are fashioned according to the style of their time, with Maya's wig beaten back and partially covering his shoulders. Maya holds a folded napkin in his left hand. The inscription on his clothing includes a sacrificial prayer on behalf of Dekavan, the Director of the Treasury. Apart from the group portrait, the museum holds separate images of each individual. Maya is depicted larger than life, showcasing him in the same position as the group portrait. Meryt is shown sitting in a high chair, her feet resting on a footstool. Her wig is an intricate piece of art, crafted from fine hair braids. In her left hand, she holds the menat, a musical instrument consisting of several strings of beads. The top of the image features the head of Hathor, the goddess of love and fertility. A strip of hieroglyphs runs vertically down the center of Meryt's garment, expressing her husband's wish that everything offered to Osiris be intended for the Ka of his sister, Merit.