GEM 4962

Sarcophagus of Prince Khufudjedef

This sarcophagus belonged to Prince Khufudjedef, one of the royal sons of King Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza. His tomb, known as G7530 (GIS3), lies in the southern cemetery near Khufu’s pyramid and is part of a group of elite mastabas that belonged to members of the royal family during the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom (circa 2505–2485 BCE). Prince Khufudjedef held an important position at court, bearing the title “Overseer of the Royal Record Keepers” and “Eldest of the King's Sons”, suggesting both high status and close proximity to royal affairs. Sadly, his tomb was heavily looted in antiquity, and most of its contents were lost, except for some pottery fragments and this finely decorated sarcophagus. The sarcophagus is carved from granite and features a decorative motif mimicking the palace façade, a symbolic design meant to represent the eternal house of the deceased. In the center of the sarcophagus is an inscription with his title: “The King’s Son Khufudjedef.” Although modest in scale compared to the grand tombs of kings, this piece provides rare insight into the lives and burial traditions of royal children during Egypt’s Pyramid Age. It reminds us that even those just outside the throne line were honored in death with architectural and artistic reverence.This sarcophagus belonged to Prince Khufudjedef, one of the royal sons of King Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza. His tomb, known as G7530 (GIS3), lies in the southern cemetery near Khufu’s pyramid and is part of a group of elite mastabas that belonged to members of the royal family during the 4th Dynasty of the Old Kingdom (circa 2505–2485 BCE). Prince Khufudjedef held an important position at court, bearing the title “Overseer of the Royal Record Keepers” and “Eldest of the King's Sons”, suggesting b ... Discover more with Premium!

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