Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Statuette of Intef, Son of Sitmehyt, Standing
Middle Kingdom
Not on view
This object is not part of The Met collection. It was in the Museum for a special exhibition and has been returned to the lender.
The statuette of Intef is a rare example of a nonroyal person with crossed arms and fists pierced to receive objects. Dressed in a long garment, the figure resembles mummiform shabtis holding libation vases and ankh (life) signs. However, his striding pose, the presence of a base, and the absence of the shabti texts indicate that this is not a magical funerary figurine but a striking, hybrid image ready to receive offerings. Faded ink inscriptions on the base mention Intef’s mother and siblings.