Egyptian Limestone Wall Panel Featuring a Cartouche of Pharaoh Pepi I

Pepi I was the third pharaoh of the 6th Dynasty, son of Teti and Queen Ipwet. Upon his ascension, Pepi quickly proved a capable military leader. He attacked the Bedouin populations in the Sinai and led a campaign into Nubia where numerous trading posts were established linking Punt and Sudan to the commerce of Egypt. Pepi was also responsible for the rise of the famed official Uni, to whom he owed much of his success and prosperity as a leader. His pyramid was so impressive that its name was given to the entire region, Mennefermare, which the Greeks would later record as “Memphis.” In addition to his pyramid, Pepi oversaw the construction of temples at Tanis, Bubastis, Abydos, Dendera, and Coptos. The reign of Pepi’s heir, Pepi II, would become the longest in Ancient Egyptian history.Carved in low relief, this magnificent limestone wall panel depicts two standing figures on the right and four columns of hieroglyphic text on the left. The figures appear to walk to the left. Each carries an offering with one hand while saluting with the other. They wear tightly fitting kilts typical of Egyptian art. Of the columns lines of text, each separated by as thin border, the most important feature is the royal cartouche of Pharaoh Pepi I. The presence of his name suggests that this wall panel once decorated a tomb or palace of an individual closely associated with the pharaoh. Would this panel once have stood in the entry way to Uni’s palace? Might it have adorned the chambers of the tomb of one of Pepi’s wives or daughters? Although we may never know the origins of this piece, its association with one of the great early rules of Ancient Egyptian history reveals its tremendous importance, both artistically and culturally.