What is ikhernofret stela?

The Ikhernofret Stela is an ancient Egyptian stela that dates back to the Middle Kingdom period (around 2000 BCE). It was discovered in the temple of Karnak in Thebes by French archaeologist Georges Legrain in 1905. The stela is carved from limestone and stands at around 2.4 meters tall, making it one of the largest Middle Kingdom stelae ever discovered.

The front of the stela features a beautifully detailed relief of the titular figure, Ikhernofret, who was a high-ranking official during the reign of Pharaoh Mentuhotep II. He is depicted wearing formal attire and holding a staff of office, indicating his importance in the royal court. The back of the stela contains a lengthy inscription in which Ikhernofret describes his life and achievements, along with his family's lineage.

The Ikhernofret Stela is an important historical artifact because it provides insight into the political and social workings of ancient Egyptian society during the Middle Kingdom period. It also shows the importance of commemorating the dead in Egyptian culture, as the stela was likely created as a monument to Ikhernofret's memory.