Statuette of Montuhotep, scribe of the chief minister of state, seated on a cubical chair. An inscription running along the two sides of the chair identifies the owner, and displays the standard funerary formula ensuring his eternal supply of offerings.

The social elite of ancient Egypt comprised, apart from the royal family, high officials responsible for the secular and religious administration, and their families. The material remains that have survived from this civilization relate almost exclusively to this small segment of the population, which could afford elaborate tombs, luxurious funerary offerings, private statues, and stelae. Egyptian administration was perceived as part of the divine world order; the officials, performing their tasks, assisted the king in maintaining ma‘at.

Credit: Gift of Abraham Guterman, New York, to American Friends of the Israel Museum