Queen Henuttawy

Third Intermediate Period (1069–702 b.c.)

Dynasty XXII (exact dates unknown)

Queen Hennutawy was the daughter of Rameses XI. She was married to Pinedjem, the high priest of the god Amun. Rameses XI was a notoriously weak ruler. He held sway over Lower Egypt, but Herihor (the high priest of the god Amun before Pinedjem, his grandnephew) and his son, Smendes, were the real power behind Egypt. The marriage of Hennuttaway to Pinedjem was a political move, meant to ally and reconcile the two powers. If the intent was to boost Rameses XI’s authority, it was ineffective. A Shabti of Queen Henuttawy is held in this exhibition.