The dwarf Seneb and his family, from the Tomb of Seneb, Giza, late 5th to...

This statue of the dwarf Seneb and his family was found in a tomb in the Western Cemetery of Giza, next to the tomb of Perniankhu. Seneb worked in the royal palace associated with the royal wardrobe, and was also Chief of the Dwarfs in the Palace; his position made him rich, as it is known that he owned thousands of cattle. This is one of the most beautiful group statues of the Old Kingdom; he is shown sitting cross-legged, with his hands joined across his chest. His wife sits to his left, holding him with her hands, and we can see a slight smile on her face. She wears a long dress with sleeves, and a wig. Their children can be seen standing below Seneb’s crossed legs preserving the composition of the piece, as if Seneb’s legs were hanging down, and adding to the sense of symmetry.