The Ancient World

Stele of the Royal Scribe Ipi

Mid-14th century BC

Limestone, mineral paint H 95, w 71 cm

The Hermitage Museum

“The stele is fashioned in the form of a false door and clearly came from the tomb of Ipi at Saggara. The depiction reveals the influence of Amarna art. Almost the whole surface of the stele is taken up by a scene in which Ipi, a royal scribe, worships the God Anubis. Anubis, shown with a canine head, was god of the deceased; he is seated on his throne holding a sign of life. Ipi wears a complex official robe. In front of Anubis are two lotus buds and an altar with a vessel for ritual libation. The inscriptions on the stele include funeral formulae, and the names and titles of the deceased.”