This statue shows Rahotep, a royal scribe during Dynasty 5, whose tomb was discovered in 1861 at Saqqara. Scribes were held in great esteem by ancient Egyptian society. They were an essential part of the government as they were employed to write royal correspondence, record taxes, religious texts and all types of legal contracts. In this statue, Rahotep appears seated, legs crossed with his hands resting palms down, fingers gently curving over the hem of his kilt. He wears a short curly hair wig that covers his ears and a painted collar. The text on the front of the statue base lists his titles and name.