This bust is a grewyacke sculpture presenting a detailed rendering of Pharaoh Userkhaf's head and upper torso. The upright position of the figure aligns with traditional Pharaonic art and signifies the standings of an Old Kingdom ruler.
Accurately detailed individual features of the sculpture include deeply carved eyes set under notable brows and a mouth delicately depicted in a faint smile. These features are rounded and simplified to provide a realistic yet uncluttered depiction. A particularly notable aspect is the nemes headdress, represented with intricate folds and pleats.
Wearing traditional pharaonic attire, the figure showcases the status and prestige associated with a Pharaoh. The robust depiction of the arms and upper body serves as a nod to the Pharaoh's roles as both a leader and warrior. Also, the name and title of the Pharaoh are inscribed on the lower portion of the statue, subtly enhancing the figure's dignity without unsettling the visual balance of the artifact.
This significant artifact originated from the Fifth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom (circa 2494-2487 BCE), as indicated by the cartouche engraved on the statue. It associates the piece with Pharaoh Userkhaf, the founder of the dynasty, and suggests its role as a domicile for the Ka (spirit) of the Pharaoh, thereby aligning with Ancient Egyptian funerary customs.
