Statue of Maya, Treasurer under Pharaoh Tutankhamun
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty (c. 1333–1323 BCE)

This finely carved statue represents Maya, the high-ranking treasurer who served under Pharaoh Tutankhamun during Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. As the royal treasurer, Maya held one of the most powerful administrative positions in the Egyptian court, responsible for overseeing the kingdom’s wealth, resources, and offerings to the gods. His duties would have placed him among the most trusted officials of the young pharaoh’s reign.

The statue depicts Maya seated, wearing a pleated kilt and a broad collar, symbols of prestige and rank. His calm expression, symmetrical features, and idealized youthful form reflect the artistic conventions of the Amarna period, which sought to convey serenity, devotion, and order. The inscriptions on his shoulders and chest identify him by name and title, affirming his role within the royal bureaucracy.

Maya’s tomb was discovered at Saqqara, near Memphis, revealing beautifully decorated reliefs that honor both Tutankhamun and the gods. The statue itself exemplifies the craftsmanship and realism characteristic of late 18th Dynasty sculpture, serving not only as a memorial to Maya’s service but also as a testament to the grandeur of Tutankhamun’s administration.