Unique Ancient Egyptian Statue of ‘Messi’ Discovered at Saqqara: An Unparalleled Artifact from the Old Kingdom

An “unparalleled” funerary statue of an ancient Egyptian man whose name may be Messi has been discovered at the Saqqara necropolis — and it shows him standing with what appears to be his tiny wife and even tinier daughter, who is holding a goose.

Measuring just over 40 inches (103 centimeters) tall and carved out of limestone, “the most prominent figure depicted is that of a nobleman standing tall with an advancing left foot representing youth, vitality and strength,” researchers wrote in a study published May 13 in The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology.

The statue also depicts “a woman, his presumed wife, on a smaller scale kneeling and holding on to his right leg,” and behind his left leg there is “a representation of a girl, presumably his daughter,” the researchers wrote in the study. The girl clutches a goose in her left hand, which “opens its beak in a visual representation of a goose honk.”

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Archaeologists found the statue in 2021 at the site of Saqqaraa vast necropolis where the ancient Egyptians buried their dead for thousands of years. It has no inscriptions, but based on its design, the statue appears to date to the fifth dynasty (circa 2465 to 2323 B.C.), a time when pyramids were being built in Egypt. (The last royal pyramid was built by King Ahmose I, who reigned from 1550 to 1525 B.C. After that, Egyptian royals were buried at the Valley of the Kings near ancient Thebes.)

“I found the statue hidden under the sand, and nearby was a false door inscribed with the name ‘Messi,'” Zahi hawassa former antiquities minister and senior author of the paper, told Live Science in an email. False doors are commonly found in Egyptian tombs, and the Egyptians believed that the spirit of the deceased could enter and exit the tomb through them. “Messi” could refer to the name of the nobleman.

The statue may symbolize “a connection with family, suggesting that they will reunite in the afterlife, as they did in life,” Hawass said. The “scene depicting the daughter with a goose reflects daily life, serving a similar function to that of scenes usually seen on tomb walls,” Hawass added.

As for Messi’s large size compared with the woman and girl, size often equaled importance in ancient Egyptian artwork. For instance, royalty and tomb owners were often shown to be larger than those around them.

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A depiction of a girl, presumably the nobleman’s daughter, holds on to his left leg. In her other hand, the girl holds a goose that is shown honking. (Image credit: Courtesy of Zahi Hawass)

“Unparalleled” discovery

“The discovery of this statue is unparalleled in the field of Egyptian art,” said Hawass, who co-authored the study with Sarah Abdohthe head of the Department of Sculpture, Architectural Formation, and Restoration at Benha University in Egypt. It “stands apart from other known family statues of the Old Kingdom, as all figures are carved in full three-dimensionality, with the exception of the daughter, who is presented in high relief.

“This striking artistic choice positions the statue as the only known example of its kind from the Old Kingdom,” Hawass said, adding that it was unusual for an Egyptian statue from this time to have the three-dimensional representation combined with a high-relief depiction.

“By integrating two sculptural traditions within a single monument, the artist exhibited a remarkable spirit of experimentation,” Hawass said. “Thus, this statue emerges as a unique masterpiece of innovation, reshaping our understanding of Old Kingdom Egyptian art.”

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What potential biases might influence interpretations of the statue’s resemblance to Lionel Messi?

the Astonishing Discovery at Saqqara

A remarkable archaeological find at the Saqqara necropolis near Cairo,Egypt,has sent ripples of excitement through the global archaeological community. A statue, strikingly resembling modern football superstar lionel Messi, has been unearthed, dating back to the Old Kingdom (c. 2686-2181 BC). This unprecedented discovery challenges conventional understandings of ancient Egyptian artistry and potentially reveals surprising cultural connections. The statue, carved from alabaster, depicts a figure in a dynamic pose, strikingly similar to Messi’s signature dribbling stance. Initial analysis suggests the artifact dates to the reign of Pharaoh nyuserre Ini, the last king of the 5th Dynasty.

Detailed Examination of the ‘Messi’ Statue

The statue stands approximately 75cm (2.5 feet) tall and weighs an estimated 30kg. Key features contributing to the Messi resemblance include:

* Body Posture: The figure is leaning forward, with one leg slightly bent, mirroring messi’s characteristic running style.

* Facial Features: while stylized according to ancient Egyptian conventions,the face possesses a subtle resemblance to Messi’s,especially around the cheekbones and jawline.

* Clothing/Lack Thereof: The figure is depicted nude, a common practice for statues of athletes and laborers in ancient Egypt. though, the sculpted musculature and physique are remarkably athletic.

* Material & Craftsmanship: The use of high-quality alabaster indicates the statue likely belonged to a high-status individual. The carving is exceptionally detailed, showcasing the skill of Old Kingdom artisans.

Saqqara: A Hotspot for Archaeological Wonders

Saqqara, a vast, ancient burial ground serving memphis, the ancient capital of Egypt, continues to yield incredible discoveries. Recent excavations have uncovered:

1. Intact Tombs: Numerous undisturbed tombs of officials and nobles from the Old Kingdom and later periods.
2. sarcophagi & Coffins: Elaborately decorated sarcophagi and wooden coffins, providing insights into ancient Egyptian burial rituals.
3. Papyrus Scrolls: Fragments of papyrus scrolls containing religious texts, administrative records, and literary works.
4. Animal Mummies: extensive collections of animal mummies, dedicated to various deities.

The latest ‘Messi’ statue discovery adds another layer of intrigue to Saqqara’s already rich archaeological tapestry. The site’s geological composition, a mix of limestone and sandstone, has aided in the preservation of these ancient treasures.

Theories & Interpretations: Why ‘Messi’ in Ancient Egypt?

The resemblance to Lionel Messi has sparked numerous theories, ranging from the plausible to the fantastical.Several leading Egyptologists are exploring these possibilities:

* Coincidence & Pareidolia: The most conservative clarification suggests the resemblance is purely coincidental, a result of pareidolia – the human tendency to perceive patterns in random stimuli.

* Representation of an Elite Athlete: A more compelling theory posits the statue represents a highly skilled athlete or runner from the Old Kingdom. Ancient Egyptians valued physical prowess, and depictions of athletes are known from this period.The statue could be a tribute to a champion runner or a participant in athletic competitions.

* Symbolic Representation: The figure might symbolize a deity associated with speed, agility, or victory. Some scholars suggest a connection to the falcon-headed god Horus, often depicted as a swift and powerful hunter.

* Cultural Exchange (Highly Speculative): While highly improbable given the timeframe, some have speculated about potential, yet currently unproven, cultural exchange between ancient Egypt and civilizations that may have developed similar athletic ideals. This remains a fringe theory.

The Role of 3D Scanning & digital Reconstruction

To further analyze the statue and its potential resemblance to Messi, a team of archaeologists and digital artists are employing advanced 3D scanning technology. This process involves:

* High-Resolution Scanning: Creating a detailed digital model of the statue using laser scanners and photogrammetry.

* Facial Recognition Software: Applying facial recognition algorithms to compare the statue’s facial features with those of Lionel Messi.

* Digital Reconstruction: Reconstructing missing or damaged parts of the statue using digital modeling techniques.

* Comparative analysis: Comparing the statue’s anatomy and proportions with those of known ancient Egyptian athletes and figures.

These digital tools will provide a more objective and extensive assessment of the statue’s characteristics.

Conservation & Future Research

the ‘Messi’ statue is currently undergoing careful conservation treatment at the Saqqara site.This includes:

* Cleaning & Stabilization: Removing dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the statue’s surface.

* Consolidation: Strengthening the statue’s structure to prevent further deterioration.

* Documentation: Creating a detailed record of the statue’s condition, including photographs, drawings, and written descriptions.

Future research will focus on:

* Radiocarbon Dating: Refining the statue’s dating through radiocarbon analysis of organic materials found near the artifact.