This remarkable statue represents Queen Tiye, one of the most influential royal women of ancient Egypt  . Interestingly, the inscription on the back pillar was added much later by Queen Henuttawy, the wife of Pharaoh Pinudjem I (reigned c. 990–969 BCE), when the statue was reused in a later period.

Queen Tiye was one of the most influential queens of ancient Egypt, living during the 18th Dynasty (c. 1398–1338 BCE). She was the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and the mother of Akhenaten, the “heretic king.”

Renowned for her intelligence, political acumen, and strong presence at court, Tiye played a significant role in both domestic and foreign affairs, often advising her husband on state matters and corresponding with foreign rulers.

Her portraits in statues, reliefs, and jewelry reveal a woman of remarkable dignity and individuality, with distinct facial features that stand out compared to typical idealized royal depictions.

Queen Tiye’s legacy reflects not only her prominence in the royal family but also her lasting influence on the religious and political transformations of Egypt during a pivotal era.