Fragment of painted plaster from the tomb of Sebekhotep

From Thebes, Egypt
18th Dynasty, around 1400 BC

Syrians presenting exotic vessels and tribute

Sebekhotep was a senior treasury official of the reign of Thutmose IV (1400-1390 BC). One of his responsibilities was clearly to deal with foreign gifts brought to the king. This fragment was part of a scene that showed Sebekhotep receiving the produce of the Near East and Africa on behalf of Thutmose IV.

Two pairs of two men (probably Syrians) pay homage to Sebekhotep as the kings' representative. Others carry vessels. Some of these items are most elaborate; made of gold inlaid with semi-precious stones. One man leads a small girl by the hand, while another carries an elephant tusk.

The scene would have been placed in Sebekhotep's tomb to illustrate his importance as an official, and to represent his relationship with the king; Sebekhotep enjoyed the privileges of office in death as in life.

E. Dziobek, Das Grab des Sobekhotep. Thebe (Mainz, Zabern, 1990)

S. Quirke and A.J. Spencer, The British Museum book of anc (London, The British Museum Press, 1992)