This statue from ancient Egypt presents a young man by the name of Pi3y (possibly pronounced “Pee-ah-ee”).* The figure is carved from acacia-wood, stands about 20 inches tall, and is remarkable for at least three reasons.
One reason has to do with the date of manufacture and artistic presentation. Scholars place this piece at the end of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, approximately the time of biblical Moses. Pi3y’s details are amazing (check out his curls and pleats). We see here a blend of older traditional elements and newer naturalistic tendencies.
Second, the name of the young man is recorded four times on the piece, once on the base and three times on the back. Pi3y is a common name in New Kingdom Egypt but is not attested earlier.
Third, not only does this personal name affix itself to the figure, so too a title. Pi3y was a “keeper” or “doorkeeper” to the palace. Some believe this to be the position of a guardian, porter, bouncer, or some type of administrator.
I find it fascinating to think about this in the context of Psalm 84:10. Here too, we find mention of a doorkeeper:
"For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness."
In this biblical view, the “doorkeeper” is one who stands at the threshold (Heb. histofef), presumably, of the Solomonic temple in Jerusalem. The focus of this work is admitting the authorized. Given the context, most interpreters suggest that this is a humble task.
The author seemingly proposes that being near to the presence of God is better than human status or ease among the godless.
Returning to the wooden statue of Pi3y, consider the inscription on the back pillar, Pi3y says,
“O Werethekau, oh lend me your ear, I am your doorkeeper
grant that (I) may remain in the service of my master, that (I) may open (?) his doors.”**
Interesting stuff!
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*This statue is on disply in the Museum of the Louvre, Paris, Pavilion Sully, Hall 26, Showcase 4.
**For more on the statue of Pi3y, see the article here: https://www.academia.edu/19956252/The_statue_of_the_Doorkeeper_of_the_palace_Pi3y_Louvre_E_124_ (accessed 1/15/2026).