The sculpture dates back to the fourth dynasty of ancient Egypt (ca. 2575-2465 BC). It was found in the Serdab (Hidden statue chamber) of a non-royal chapel located near Giza. Pair statues were believed to act as a home to the spirits of the deceased, allowing them to reap the benefits of the gifts placed in the offering chapels of the tombs.
Sculptures were an indication of social status and wealth in the Old Kingdom. This piece was not created for royalty although this is made obvious by its resting place in the non-royal tombs there is other evidence that hints at the level of wealth of its owner. Limestone, a common resource, was used to create the object, this coupled with its relatively small size makes it safe to assume that the sculpture was not intended for an extremely wealthy individual. The statue may have been carved out using a stone harder than limestone or a makeshift drill. After this was completed the sculpture was buffed and painted.
Hieroglyphics are etched into the base of the sculpture, identifying the pair as “the Royal Acquaintance Memi and Sabu”. Their relationship is not defined in the text but it is safe to assume that they are husband and wife as pair statues usually depicted married couples in addition to this their posture indicates that they are intimate with each other. It has been suggested that the obvious height difference between the two subjects was the artist’s depiction of the husband’s dominant role in the relationship.
The limestone statue displays key characteristics of Egyptian art: the characters are clearly defined, many aspects of the piece are detailed such as the decorative clothes and the attention paid to the styling of the hair and the subjects are proportionate both in terms of themselves and each other.
The proportions may be accurate and the detailing is impressive, but those details are not what attracted me to the piece. What did strike me at first about this statue is how it didn’t follow some of the ‘guidelines’ of the art produced in the Old Kingdom during this time period; it stood out from the other works on display because of this. When comparing it to another statue depicting a couple (Menakure and a Queen) Memi seems static with his legs together whereas Menakure is shown in a typical striding fashion. Menakure has both his fists clenched and is not returning his wife’s embrace whereas Memi has an arm wrapped around his wife Sabu, giving the statue a relaxed vibe.
It’s hard not to feel that the ancient Egyptians lived worlds away when looking at artifacts from their time; a modern audience might feel that they’re trying to understand a different species when examining the art as they explore scenes such as praying to Gods or mummifying cats, acts that are not usually carried out in this generation. This piece, however, can resonate with viewers from this century as the pose itself is not foreign. If one were to swap out the Memi and Sabu’s attire and hairstyle this statue can easily be a portrayal of a modern day couple making this piece more relatable.
Royal Acquaintances Memi and Sabu
Period: Old Kingdom
Dynasty: Dynasty 4
Date: ca. 2575–2465 B.C.
Geography: Country of Origin Egypt, Memphite Region; Probably from el-Giza, Western Cemetery
Medium: Limestone, paint
Dimensions: h. 62 cm (24.7/16 in); w. 24.5 cm (9 5/8 in); d. 15.2 cm (6 in)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1948
Accession Number: 48.111
Museum Description:
This statue evokes the intimacy of Memi and his companion, Sabu, although she is set somewhat apart by her oblique gaze. Until recently, the flowering of non-royal statuary was believed to have occurred only in the Fifth and Sixth Dynasties. Recent studies indicate, however, that many of these non-royal statues, including Memi and Sabu, are better dated to the Fourth Dynasty, contemporary with the great royal statuary programs. The early date for Memi and Sabu is based both on her coiffure and on the reciprocated embrace.
