English: Beginning at least in the mid-Fifth Dynasty, large sculptures of bound foreign captives appeared in the pharaoh's pyramid complex. Pepi I and Pepi II had a large number of them. This piece and associated piece 64,260 can be dated to the reign of Pepi II for stylistic reasons.

Presumably, the statues of the prisoners were placed in areas where scenes of battle and triumph occurred. The consistency of the breaks in these figures at the neck or shoulder and mid-torso strongly argue that the statues were ritually executed, presumably to mark some event in the history of the pyramid complex.

Although stereotypes of foreign physiognomies clearly existed during the Old Kingdom, they do not correspond well with those known and identified by ethnicity of the New Kingdom. This man may represent an enemy from adjacent lands in the north or from the Near East, it is theorized that when he was taken prisoner he was stripped of his identity clothing and forced to dress and look like an Egyptian for the self-portrait and for the satisfaction of his captors, Thanks to being so Egyptian in his dress and appearance, his origin cannot be known for certain. The muscles on his upper body have been stretched out of shape by hitting his elbows behind his back, and he has an expression that seems to convey a deep resignation and humiliation.

itle: Statue of Kneeling Captive

Period: Old Kingdom

Dynasty: Dynasty 6

Reign: reign of Pepi II

Date: ca. 2246–2152 B.C.

Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Saqqara, Pyramid complex of Pepi II probably

Medium: Limestone, paint

Dimensions: H. 88.5 cm (34 13/16 in.); W. 33 cm (13 in.); D. 49.5 cm (19 1/2 in.); Weight 90.7 kg (200 lbs)

Credit Line: Fletcher Fund, 1947

Accession Number: 47.2

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