By Jacqueline Engel
1st Dynasty (2920-2770 BC) Reign of Den.
Soap stone (black Steatite)
inlaid with pink-veined alabaster.
Hunting scene.
Cairo Antiquities Museum
Black Steatite
Diameter 8.7 CM; Thickness 0.7 CM
Saqqara, Tomb of Hemaka
Hemaka was an important official during the long reign of the First Dynasty Egyptian pharaoh Den.
Radiocarbon dating research undertaken during the 1950s suggested a date for Hemaka lifetime ca. 3100 BC.
One of Hemaka’s titles was that of “seal-bearer of the king of Lower Egypt”, effectively making him chancellor and second in power only to the king.
LA CIVILTA' EGIZIA 