The statue belongs to King Khufu from the 4th dynasty. He is the owner of the great pyramid. It is about 7.5 cm in height. It was discovered by sir Flinders Petrie in the temple of xnty imnty in Abydos. So far it is the only statue found for King Khufu. There is a lot of controversy concerning this statue. It is made out of ivory.

The first opinion:

According to Petrie the statue dates back to the 4th dynasty according to the name inscribed on the throne

The second opinion:

<!--Dr Zahi Hawass believes that it dates back to the 26th dynasty according to the artistic features and after comparing it to other statues made out of ivory like the statue of Menkawra.

<!--The statue doesn’t show keenness in craftsmanship. In contrast, the statue of Menkawra is carefully carved although the head is missing and the period between the two kings isn’t enough for the artistic features to change

<!--The throne of this statue is low back while thrones during this period are with full back

<!--The position of the hands is conventional with the 26th dynasty

<!--Ivory was rarely used during the Old Kingdom yet it was widely used during the 26th dynasty

<!--The unfinished state of the feet isn’t a feature of the Old Kingdom

<!--Khufu was worshipped during the 26th dynasty

<!--The great pyramid was reopened during the 26th dynasty

<!--The statue could be an amulet since ivory amulets were famous during the 26th dyansty

Contra opinion with the second opinion:

<!--The statue of Khufu is representing the local art while the statue of Menkawra is representing royal art so the comparison between them is unfair since the head of the statue of Menkawra is missing

<!--There are examples of low back thrones from the Old Kingdom

<!--The position of the hands is due to holding the flail in one hand

<!--Although ivory was a rare material during the Old Kingdom the statue of Menkawra is made out of ivory and it is a royal statue

<!--The unfinished feet were broken while excavating

The statue:

The king is represented sitting on a low back throne wearing the red crown of Lower Egypt and the Shyndet. He is holding the flail in his right hand towards his chest while his left hand is resting on his lap. His face is broad and forceful with full cheeks, big mouth and wide nostrils. There is a slight smile on his face the ears are well carved. The head is large in comparison with the body. The head was lost during excavation and was found three weeks later. The cartouche on the left side of the throne is broken.