Stela of Maaty and Dedwi Limestone, painted. First Intermediate Period, 7th Dynasty - early 11th Dynasty.Probably from Naga ed-Deir.

The sculptor who carved this colourful funerary stela of the official Maaty and his wife, Dedwi, lived during the First Intermediate Period. At this time, the centralized royal government of the Old Kingdom had given way to local rulers, isolating provincial artists from the artistic traditions of the royal court. They developed local styles which, as on this stela, tended to be simple but lively.