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Secondary sourceSculpture

Statue of Hemiunu

A museum statue of Hemiunu, believed to have been Khufu's vizier and the architect associated with his pyramid.

Depicts Hemiunu, the official linked to building Khufu's pyramid, showing the administration behind his reign.

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Photograph of a seated white limestone statue of a bald, nude male figure with hands resting on his knees, set on a stone base in a museum, in front of a dark triangular backdrop with lighting.
Statue of Hemiunu. Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum, Hildesheim.

About this source

What it is

This seated limestone statue depicts Hemiunu, an official of the Fourth Dynasty associated with the construction of Khufu's pyramid. It is held in the Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum in Hildesheim.

Why it matters

Hemiunu is believed to have served as a vizier and architect-type official under Khufu. Statues like this show how high officials were honored in ancient Egypt and give insight into the people who helped organize and build Khufu's great pyramid.

Look closer

  • Why do you think officials like Hemiunu were given statues, similar to royalty?
  • What does the nudity of the statue tell you about artistic conventions of the time, rather than modesty?
  • What does this statue suggest about the importance of officials in building Khufu's monuments?

This sculpture is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Pharaoh Khufu (Cheops) on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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