Goddess Seshat: The Divine Scribe of Ancient Egypt
Seshat, which translates to “female scribe,” held the esteemed role as the goddess of documentation and literature in ancient Egyptian culture. She was entrusted with the important task of chronicling the years of reign for pharaohs and safeguarding the House of Life, an institution dedicated to preserving Egypt’s sacred texts. One notable artifact associated with her is a limestone fragment unearthed at the Pyramid Temple of Senwosret I, thought to have been copied from an older relief created for Pepy II, the final significant monarch of the Old Kingdom, approximately three centuries prior.
Key Details
- Medium: Limestone
- Excavation Site: Lisht, Egypt
- Date Range: circa 1919–1875 B.C.E.
- Dynasty: Dynasty 12
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dimensions: 20 11/16 x 23 1/4 in. (52.5 x 59 cm)
- Accession Number: 52.129
- Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Artistic Description
This limestone relief features a depiction of the goddess Seshat in sunk relief, positioned to the right, as she diligently records royal treasures on a papyrus scroll. Her epithet is intricately carved to the left side. The upper edge of the relief showcases a portion of a row of kneeling captives, while the left side displays an incomplete column featuring seated foreign captives or prisoners.
Condition Report
The piece exhibits several conditions warranting attention:
- The lower left and upper right corners are missing.
- The upper register is significantly cracked.
- The lower right area also shows signs of cracking.
- The surface is weathered, and there are no traces of paint remaining.
Exhibitions
This important artifact has been showcased in several renowned exhibitions, including:
- Mistress of the House, Mistress of Heaven: Women in Ancient Egypt
- Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity
- Ancient Egyptian Art
Museum Information
Currently, this artifact is not on display, housed in the Brooklyn Museum under the Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund with the accession number 52.129.
Artwork Caption
The limestone relief, depicting the goddess Seshat, dates back to roughly 1919–1875 B.C.E., measuring 20 11/16 x 23 1/4 inches (52.5 x 59 cm).
Image Reference: Brooklyn Museum photograph
Additional Notes
This artifact is subject to certain rights and usage regulations under a Creative Commons-BY license, allowing for downloading and use within specified guidelines.
Records for artifacts like this are continuously updated and assessed for completeness, with the institution encouraging contributions of further information.
