Stela of Montuhotep

A stela is an inscribed slab of stone or wood, placed in a tomb or in a temple. This fine round-topped limestone stela is inscribed for a man called Montuhotep. The scenes are in three registers with the figures carved in low relief and the inscription incised.The stela is edged with a square block pattern still retaining traces of the original colour. The first register shows Montuhotep sitting on a chair with lion legs, before a large table of offerings. Under the table are two large wine jars, one of which is still sealed. A drinking cup is beside him on a tall stand. In the second register Montuhotep appears together with his father and another offering table, the third register shows his daughter Henut with her husband(?) Kemku, being presented with offerings by the priest. The carving is of an extremely high standard and shows excellent detail. The three rows of text at the top read: (1) Viewing the splendour of Ra. Viewing the splendour of Osiris. (2) An offering which the king gives to Osiris, lord of Ankh-Tawy [Memphis] so that he may give a voice offering of bread, beer, ox, fowl, alabaster, linen, incense (3) and oil to the Ka of the revered one, Montuhotep, justified, born of Henut, justified.