Detail of the stela of Re-wer. It is carved out of alabaster, a material that was rarely used in non-royal monuments. The precious material and the high quality of the carving attest to the distinguished status of the man.

Detail of the stela of Re-wer. It is carved out of alabaster, a material that was rarely used in non-royal monuments. The precious material and the high quality of the carving attest to the distinguished status of the man.

Re-wer was an important official and a priest during the early 5th Dynasty, as evidenced by his burial in Giza, which is one of the largest and most complex private tombs from any period in Kemet history. He served during the reign of King Neferirkare (circa 2446-2438 BCE) and possibly under his predecessor, King Sahure (circa 2458-2446 BCE).

Re-wer had many titles, including Sem Priest, Ritualist, Priest of the Goddess Nekhebet, Priest of the Goddess Uto, Director of the Palace, Director of the Kilt, Maker of the King's Hair (i.e., hairdresser), Overseer of Every Royal Ornament, and Master of the Secrets of the King.

He is depicted here wearing a full, striated, shoulder-length wig, a square false beard, and a beautiful broad collar. A broad band of cloth covering his left shoulder passes around the chest under the right arm-pit.