The Stela of Nenu

Egyptian history has two types of demarcation. The first is kingdoms, during which a centralized government ruled with political unity, and the second is intermediate periods, when rivalries competed for power. The First Intermediate Period [c. 2160 - 2055 BCE] was a time of unrest when numerous different rulers were in power at the same time. The social disintegration negatively affected the quality of art produced during this period. One example of this inferior art is the stela [or stele] of Nenu. The Oxford History of Ancient Egypt characterizes this piece as "crudely executed," especially in comparison to the beautifully detailed carvings of the Old Kingdom.

A stela is a grave marker. Nenu's depicts the deceased receiving offerings from his family. Notice the two dogs who have come to pay tribute. If these two have relaxed their tails while they sit—a typical basenji phenomenon—then they meet all the breed standards. They have the lean build, long legs, and erect ears. Although much of the paint has rubbed off the top dog, notice that the lower one has the rich red coloring with white muzzle and belly common in modern day basenjis.