Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12, ca. 1981–1802 B.C.
Likely from Meir (Mir), Khashaba, Middle Egypt
This remarkably preserved 𝘔𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘺 belongs to Ukhhotep, son of Hedjpu, and dates to the 12th Dynasty of ancient Egypt’s Middle Kingdom. The burial assemblage reflects elite status, combining artistry, symbolism, and meticulous funerary practice.

Date: circa 1981–1802 BCE
Dynasty: 12, Middle Kingdom
On view: The Met Fifth Avenue, Gallery 112

The mummy of Chief Treasurer Ukhhotep was discovered inside a rectangular coffin, laid on its left side with the face turned toward the eye panel. The head is covered by a well-modeled wooden mask with a gilded face. The headdress and beard are painted blue, and the eyes are inlaid with stone.

Provenance: Egypt, Middle Egypt, Khashaba excavations, 1910–11; probably from Meir, Tomb of Ukhhotep
Medium: Human remains, linen, mummification materials, painted and gilded cartonnage, obsidian, travertine (Egyptian alabaster)