The Queen of Punt

Amongst a collection beginning with JE 14276  Cairo Antiquity Museum

Material: Painted Limestone
Size: Maximum Height: 49 cm; Maximum Width: 45 cm
Location: Deir el-Bahri, Funerary Temple of Hatshepsut
Period: 18th Dynasty, Reign of Queen Hatshepsut (1473-1458 BC)

This famous relief, carved during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut, has been analyzed extensively by scholars and non-scholars alike. It depicts The Queen of Punt on a visit to the Egyptian royal court, together with offerings. Some believe that it is an attempt at ancient Egyptian humor, while it also seems reasonable that Hatshepsut meant a slight against the queen, given the perhaps exaggerated appearance of punt's royal lady.

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