This type of statue is called a “block statue” and is first seen in the Middle Kingdom but then used throughout the rest of ancient Egyptian history. You should imagine the man sitting on the ground with his knees up in front of him hugged by his arms & a tight cloak round him.

The long inscription on the front tells us who he is (Ankhwennefer), who his son is (Peftjauabastet), and that he’d like anyone who comes into the sanctuary of Bastet at Tell al-Muqdam to make offerings for him. He and his son are both priests, royal acquaintances and scribes.

Even though it’s not known where this was found I imagine it was likely to’ve been set up in the sanctuary it names – somewhere prominent where it would catch the eye of a literate person walking past who would read the inscription and make the offerings requested.

It dates to the Late Period, and is now in the Met Museum (acc. no.: 1993.161).

See it on my photo site: https://photos.talesfromthetwolands.org/picture.php?/1465/ and go one to the right for a close up of the top of the inscription.

Jigsaw Puzzles:
easier: https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=3990707b5742
harder: https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=29c62de1e18c