Staue of Nenkhefetka

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Nenkhefetka led a provincial town just south of Fayum Oasis with authority. One of twelve statues from his mastaba tomb showcases him, along with statues of his wife and son who were also buried within. These statues were placed in a special chamber called the serdab as alternative bodies for their spirits to inhabit. Nenkhefetka holds a handkerchief and wears a curl wig, collar, and half-pleated kilt that defines him as a man. The way he stands with his legs apart is typical of male statues that are depicted in this manner. In contrast, women were usually shown with their feet together. Egyptian striding statues like Nenkhefetka typically advance the left foot forward. This makes the best view of the statue when seen from its right side where both legs are visible. The profile of the face is also notable because it matches the preferred way hieroglyphic writing was done, where the signs face to the right. The art and script were intertwined in ancient Egyptian culture and developed together over time. Both mediums held magical power that could bring about change and manipulate realities.