Description

This unfinished statuette, possibly an artist's study piece, was purchased, not excavated, so much about it is unknown. 

The figures shows a man kneeling, offering what would have been a small shrine.  These small shrines often contained an image of the god Osiris or Ptah, and a completed statue, inscribed with the name and titles of the donor, would have been set up in a temple where the owner of the statue could benefit from the prayers and offerings of the temple ritual.  The small shrines are usually called by the Greek name, naos.

This statue has been blocked out, and the work has begun on shaping the final image. Why was it never finished? Was it only ever intended to be a model in a sculptor's studio, where pupils could follow this pattern?  Or did some unforeseen event stop the work? A deep crack extending upward from the base at front could explain why the work was abandoned.

 In its current condition, this artifact gives us an insight into the ancient Egyptian artists' method.