The Old Kingdom dyad statue of King Menkaura and Queen (c. 2490–2472 BCE) is carved in high relief with a rigid, frontal posture and clenched fists. Which of the following best describes the primary function of this stylized, block-like design?
- To ensure the statue's physical permanence and durability as an eternal home for the king's spirit (*ka*)Answer
- BTo depict the king actively walking forward to symbolize his physical preparation for military combat
- CTo represent the royal couple in a realistic, informal portrait capturing a moment of daily life
- DTo mark a temporary shift toward abstract representation in response to a newly introduced monotheistic religion
Answer
To ensure the statue's physical permanence and durability as an eternal home for the king's spirit (*ka*)
The correct answer is correct because the block-like, high-relief structure of Old Kingdom statues like *King Menkaura and Queen* was specifically engineered for durability. In ancient Egyptian funerary belief, the statue functioned as a backup vessel for the deceased's *ka* (spirit) if the mummified body decomposed. The rigid, frontal posture and lack of negative space between the arms and body minimized the risk of limbs breaking off, ensuring the statue's eternal permanence.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The function of Old Kingdom funerary statues as eternal dwellings for the *ka* and the stylistic conventions of stability.