Whenever we were in a museum, my Nonno would always point out the wooden π±ππΊ statues πππππΎπͺ whenever they were in great condition. He always explained to me that wood π±ππΊ decayed quickly and was harder to preserve than stone ππππͺ statues πππππΎπͺ, so it was always remarkable whenever a wooden π±ππΊ statue πππππΎ was able to retain its beauty π€ and not decay over thousands πΌπΌπΌπΌ of years. Thanks to my Nonnoβs teachings and enthusiasm, I have always been so appreciative of the wooden π±ππΊ artifacts.
These are two π» wooden π±ππΊ statues πππππΎπͺ of an official π΄ππ named Metjetji who lived during the 5th or 6th Dynasty (c. 2371-2288 B.C.E.). These π» two statues πππππΎπͺ seem to represent Metjeti as a younger man πππ€, while other statues πππππΎπͺ found in his tomb ππ«ππ show him at an older age. When the Egyptians πππππͺ had their likeness preserved for eternity ππ³π, they wanted themselves to be represented at the best – hence why in most statues/reliefs/paintings that are found in tombs ππ«πππ¦, the deceased π ππ± looks so young.
The paint on these wooden π±ππΊ statues πππππΎπͺ is remarkably well preserved, which can happen if the statue πππππΎ is under the right conditions for thousands of years (which is rare – usually humidity and time can get the better of organic materials). Metjetji is wearing a kilt and broad collar π ±π΄ππΊπ along with other pieces of jewelry. He is also holding a staff in his hand in the statue πππππΎ on the left. In both representations, Metjeti seems to be walking (because one foot is in front of the other – almost like a stride).