This painted limestone statue of Mayor Nen-Kheft-Ka dates to Egypt’s Old Kingdom, 5th Dynasty, around 2350 B.C., and was discovered in his mastaba at Deshasheh.

Carved in the traditional Old Kingdom style, the statue displays fine craftsmanship: the pleated linen kilt with its belt, the dagger resting on his stomach, and the square-cut wig are all rendered with precision.

Traces of original pigment remain—the reddish-yellow skin tone lending a golden hue, the white kilt, and the black wig—offering a vivid impression of its original appearance.

Nen-Kheft-Ka held the title “Royal Acquaintance” and served as a mayor. He was married to Nefer-Shemes, who shared the same honorary title. A double statue of the couple was also found within his tomb.