66-Relief of a Seal Bearer

In ancient Egypt, seal bearers performed a critical function on behalf of the crown. Only high officials designated by the king could possess the official seal. Signet rings inscribed with the royal seal were used to mark official documents and belongings and guaranteed the integrity of what was sealed.¹

The relief depicts a seal bearer and his attendants at a banquet. The first attendant holds out a signet ring that dangles from a cord. Leaning forward, he smooths out the seal bearer’s calf-length double apron.² The second attendant carries the seal bearer’s staff of office and a long, looped kerchief. All have shaved heads, suggesting their religious affiliation. At the far left stands a tall bouquet. At the far right are two registers of kneeling female banqueters. They wear long wigs with perfumed, unguent cones on their head, long dresses, and wraps. Some hold floral bouquets to their nose, and others sniff lotus flowers. Unfortunately, the texts are abraded, making it impossible to discern names, titles, and filiations.

1. Auenmüller 2022, 74–75; Kaplony 1984, 934. ↩︎

2. The apron dates this relief to the early Dynasty 19. See Hoffmann 2004, 168–69, fig. 14. ↩︎