Reproduction Details
Type: Stela
Date: 21st Dynasty, c. 1070–945 BC
Findspot: Deir el-Bahari cache (DB320)
Materials: Wood
Size: Height 39.5 cm
Current location: Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology
Object number: UC14226
Print Reference: DP115
The Offering Stela of Neskhons is a remarkable example of 21st Dynasty funerary art, dating to approximately 965 BC. This painted wooden stela depicts Neskhons, the wife of the High Priest of Amun, Pinedjem II, presenting offerings to the god Osiris. The scene symbolises her desire to gain Osiris’ protection and secure a favourable place in the afterlife. Currently housed at the Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology, this artefact provides rich insights into the religious, political, and cultural life of ancient Egypt during a period of significant political fragmentation.
The Stela of Neskhons

Funerary stelae served as symbolic gateways between the realms of the living and the dead. These artefacts were designed to facilitate communication with the gods, ensuring the deceased's safe passage and ongoing protection in the afterlife. Often placed in tomb chapels or other sacred spaces, they provided a focal point for family members or priests to recite prayers and perform rituals, actions believed to sustain and strengthen the deceased’s presence in the afterlife.
Neskhons’ stela depicts an offering table stacked with bread and flowers—essential provisions for her ka (spiritual essence). These offerings symbolised the nourishment she required in the afterlife and reinforced the belief that sustenance could be perpetually supplied, either through physical offerings made by her family or symbolically through the stela’s imagery.
The stela’s inscriptions further highlight Neskhons’ titles, virtues, and achievements, serving as an enduring testament to her status and devotion. By detailing her connections to powerful deities and her role in the religious community, the stela also affirmed her rightful place in the afterlife, reflecting the close relationship between spiritual belief, social prestige, and the art of commemoration in ancient Egypt.
Translation of the Stela Inscription
The stela contains seven vertical columns of hieroglyphs that identify both Osiris and Neskhons. The inscription translates as:
The Osiris, the great head of the first troupe of Amun-Ra, king of the gods, the god's servant of Khnum, lord of the First Cataract, king's son of Kush, overseer of the southern hill-lands, god's servant of the Lady of Offerings of Serudet, head of noblewomen, Neskhons, true of voice.
This text emphasises her religious and social roles, referencing her connection to Khnum, Hathor, and the broader priestly hierarchy.
Neskhons: A Powerful Theban Figure
Neskhons was married to Pinedjem II, one of the most powerful figures in Egypt during the 21st Dynasty. As the High Priest of Amun at Thebes, her husband held authority rivalling the pharaohs of the northern Delta. Neskhons herself was likely of noble or royal lineage, though the specifics of her parentage remain uncertain. Her marriage to Pinedjem served to reinforce political alliances and bolster the religious authority of Thebes, particularly at a time when Egypt was divided between the northern Tanite rulers and the southern Theban priesthood.
A particularly intriguing aspect of the stela is Neskhons' titles: “God's servant of Khnum” and “God's servant of the Lady of Offerings of Serudet.” In ancient Egypt, women who were “God’s Servants” often served as priestesses or attendants dedicated to specific deities. They performed rituals, offered prayers, and assisted in maintaining sacred spaces. In Neskhons’ case, the titles associate her with Khnum and “The Lady of Offerings of Serudet”, likely an epithet of the goddess Hathor, who were both venerated at the cult centre of Serudet (modern Esna or its vicinity in Upper Egypt).
This title may reflect either Neskhons’ active involvement in rituals or, more likely, an honorary title granted to high-ranking women to signify their symbolic connection to religious activities. Her role underscores the intricate ties between the Amun priesthood and other regional cults, emphasising the wealth and prestige of Theban religious authority.
Neskhons’ mummy, discovered in the Deir el-Bahari cache (DB320), was found alongside her husband and other members of the Theban elite. Her burial included exquisite funerary goods, such as the Book of the Dead papyri, reflecting the immense wealth and religious influence of the Amun priesthood. The reburial of her remains, orchestrated by 21st Dynasty priests, aimed to protect her from tomb robbers during a period of widespread looting.
Further Reading
Stewart, Harry Milne, Egyptian stelae, reliefs and paintings from the Petrie collection: part 3. The Late Period
Wonderful article and lovely work of art! Do you think her dress was really see-through or is it only an artistic choice to show her body under the dress?