\paperw4260 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 The statuette, only 34 centimeters or 13╜ inches high, is carved from wood. The inscription on the base tells us that the female figur
e it represents is the priestess Tui.\par
The young woman is wearing a thin, close-fitting dress. A finely pleated scarf is draped over her left shoulder.\par
She is wearing a broad neckband, partially covered by the heavy wig that conceals her shoulde
rs.\par
The false hairpiece consists of many little braids, divided by a wide central parting, which frames her face.\par
She is holding the sacred necklace known as \i menat\i0 : it is made of pearls and has a broad pendant.\par
Originally an attribu
te of the goddess Hathor, the \i menat\i0 necklace was considered a powerful amulet that ensured prosperity and vitality to all those who came into contact with it. It was also used as a musical instrument in ceremonial dances.\par
The plinth on which
the statueÆs feet are set is covered with inscriptions containing invocations to the gods on the part of Tui herself.\par
She describes herself as ôthe Superior of the Recluses of Min,ö in other words the women who made up the harem of the god Min in th
e temple of Thebes.\par
The statuette was probably made to be placed in the tomb of the young woman, who met a premature death, as a safe conduct to the other world.
