Ostracon of Prince Sethherkhepshef information

This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please help improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (January 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Sethherkhepshef in hieroglyphs

The Ostracon of Prince Sethherkhepshef is a painted limestone figured-ostracon of the son of Ramesses III (reigned 1186–1155 BCE). It is a standing, figured profile of Prince Sethherkhepshef (who later ascended the throne as Ramesses VIII) in an adoration pose, with outstretched arms, a sceptre in his left hand, and right hand, palm-forward. Behind Sethherkhepshef in a standard layout of figures and writing, is a vertical column of hieroglyphs reading "king's son of his body, his beloved" with his name (Seth-her-kepesh) appearing at the end.

The ostracon was found in the Valley of the Queens, where a tomb (QV43) was built for the prince. It is currently in the Museo Egizio, Turin, Italy.

Egyptian ostraca were used for artist's sketchings, cartoons-caricatures, letter documents, school–practice writing, and graffiti. This particular ostracon may be a sketch by an artisan working on the prince's tomb.