SAQQARA, EGYPT — Archaeologists working in the Saqqara necropolis have uncovered a 4,300-year-old statue belonging to a high-ranking official named Messi. This remarkable artifact, dating back to Egypt’s Old Kingdom, is considered a one-of-a-kind artistic masterpiece that sheds new light on the evolution of Egyptian sculpture.
A Statue from the Golden Age of the 5th Dynasty
The statue is traced to the 5th Dynasty (2465–2323 BCE), a period that coincided with the construction of the great pyramids and the codification of Egyptian artistic conventions. Standing 103 centimeters tall and carved from limestone, the work is a rare example that combines three-dimensional carving with high-relief techniques.
The composition depicts a nobleman stepping forward with his left foot, accompanied by his kneeling wife and their daughter holding a goose — a powerful scene that merges family intimacy with symbolic meaning.
Artistic Details That Break Tradition
The main figure, Messi, wears a short wig and pleated kilt, rendered with striking anatomical precision. His wife is shown in a simple dress with a wide necklace and shoulder-length wig, while their daughter appears behind his leg in high relief.
According to a study by Dr. Zahi Hawass and Dr. Sarah Abdoh published in The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, the most distinctive feature of the statue is its fusion of techniques: the parents are sculpted in full three-dimensional form, while the child is rendered in relief.
This departure from traditional Old Kingdom practices makes the statue unique, providing scholars with new insights into experimental artistic approaches of the time.
Symbolism and Cultural Meaning
Next to the statue, archaeologists also discovered a false door inscribed with the name Messi. Such doors were believed to allow the deceased’s spirit to pass between the tomb and the afterlife.
The size differences between the figures further emphasize ancient Egyptian artistic hierarchy, where tomb owners and elites were typically represented larger than surrounding figures.
The goose held by the daughter symbolizes both daily life scenes and the sustenance needed in the afterlife, echoing motifs frequently found in tomb paintings.
Connections to Other Masterpieces
Experts note striking similarities between the Messi statue and the famous Irukaptah statue displayed at the Brooklyn Museum, suggesting both originated from the same artistic school. Despite damage caused by ancient tomb robbers, the newly unearthed piece remains a rare and invaluable artifact of Egypt’s cultural heritage.
Why This Discovery Matters
This find not only adds to the understanding of Old Kingdom funerary art, but also highlights how artists blended tradition and innovation in service of both religious beliefs and personal commemoration.
As one of the most exceptional statues of its era, the Messi statue provides a vivid glimpse into how art, ritual, and identity converged in ancient Egypt.
