The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has announced the discovery of a pristine tomb belonging to a high-ranking official named Ptah-hotep, who held the unique title of 'Master of Royal Statues' during the 5th Dynasty. Located in the Saqqara Necropolis, the tomb’s limestone walls are decorated with exceptionally vivid reliefs showing the official overseeing the carving of monumental sphinxes and royal portraiture. The highlight of the find is a hidden serdab (statue chamber) containing 12 multi-colored figurines carved from rare rose quartzite and basalt.
These figurines depict Ptah-hotep in various stages of life and are noted for their anatomical precision and the survival of their original pigments. Significantly, the tomb also yielded several unfinished trial pieces and copper chisels, offering a rare 'behind-the-scenes' look at the artistic techniques and quality control measures employed in the royal workshops of the Old Kingdom. The discovery is expected to rewrite the history of early Egyptian sculptural schools.