Egyptian art / Hieroglyphic writing 1st dynasty replica jar docket of king Den

King Den
Fourth king of Egyp'ts very first dynasty 2970.B.C.E

Dimensions :-
Height - 5.8 cm / 2-1/4 inches approx
Width - 8.1 cm / 3-1/8 inches approx

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On offer here for only the second time is a special replica that depicts the fourth king of Egypt's first dynasty. The small panel inscribed with early, formative hieroglyphs, is actually a docket or label that would have been tied to an oil jar with string and placed in the King's tomb where it was found in the 'Umm el Qaab' (mother of pots) region of Abydos. A small hole pierces the upper right hand corner to allow for this attachment.

Made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone this replica is aged to take on the look of the original ebony wood panel with hand painted white writing.


Background information

King Den is the most well documented king of the first dynasty and was a progressive figure that left his mark on Egyptian culture that transcended the ages.
Great technological advancements were undertaken as Egypt grew as a nation. The development of substantial royal tombs started with Den. The use of pink & black Aswan granite was used within his tomb which was the first time this incredibly hard stone was used as a building material.

Most importantly he was the first king to use the term 'King of upper and lower Egypt' and here on this docket is one of the first representations where this occurs. The King sits on a throne in a small covered pavilion as part of the Heb Sed festival wearing the crown of the united lands of north and south - upper and lower Egypt.
He is actually depicted twice on this docket and can be seen running between two rows of markers. This was a ritual associated with the race of the Apis bull and was a way to prove his fitness to be Pharaoh.

For a simple label to be attached to a jar, this inscription says a great deal.
Below these depictions of the king in the middle right register a report about a certain raid upon the 'city of the beautiful door'. Also in this section a message is recorded about the ill health of Den's daughter as she suffers the affliction of an unidentified disease.
The lower right register where it has broken away leaves just enough glyphs to communicate the visitation of the souls of 'Peh' at the royal domain 'Wenet'.

The left of the label describes the contents of the jar the label was attached to. Also, it notes a certain individual know as Hemaka who was very close to the king and responsible for getting the labels in order. Hemaka was the chief sandel bearer of the King which was an illustrious title to have and Hemaka was rewarded with a substantial tomb of his own.