The Royal Descendant Hetepheres

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Hetepheres was honored as the mother of Re-Wer, the pharaoh's trusted hairdresser, whose impressive stone tomb at Giza remains a testament to his esteemed position. Carved from a single massive slab in high relief, this life-size statue of Hetepheres was originally part of an elaborate family sculptural group that included her husband, son, and grandchildren. Her lifelike likeness served as a tangible representation for her ka, or vital essence, allowing it to continue existing even if her physical body were to be destroyed. It also became a central point for reverence by those who had lost her, who would gather at the necropolis on special feast days. Standing tall with only one arm, Hetepheres once held her right arm aloft, possibly in a gesture of affection towards her grandchild. Accentuated by the delicate modeling of swelling breasts, slender waist, and hips visible beneath a flowing garment, the rigid pose of the figure is quintessential of Old Kingdom art's characteristic style. Worcester Art Museum proudly acknowledges Hetepheres' enduring legacy.