Pyramidion of Ptahemwia

3D Model

From the 18th Dynasty onwards, mudbrick pyramids were used to mark the tombs of private individuals. These small structures were topped by a stone pyramidion. Many such pyramidia have survived, and most of them were found in Thebes (at Deir el-Medina) and Saqqara (the burial ground of the city of Memphis). They are typically decorated with solar motifs. On the front of this particular example, the deceased Ptahemwia is depicted standing in adoration. The hieroglyphic text is dedicated to Re-Horakhty and Osiris. Above the deceased, we see the jackal god Anubis. The wife of the deceased and their three children are shown standing in adoration on the right side, with two other women in the back. The left side depicts the gods Re-Horakhty and Osiris.

Limestone, Saqqara (Egypt), 18th Dynasty (c. 1325-1300 BC)

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3D Reconstruction provided by Thomas Flynn.