Once thought to represent the goddess Neith, this royal head in the red crown of Lower Egypt is now believed to depict Userkaf, the first king of the 5th dynasty. It was found in one of a series of temples dedicated by the kings of this dynasty to the sun-god Re.
Like many kings and officials of the Old Kingdom, the king wears a moustache, here faintly visible on his upper lip.
5th dynasty, from Abusir, Sun Temple of Userkaf.
Cairo Museum
