Scribe Iay

Lay, a high ranking official of the Pharaon (Chief of the Double Treasure), is seated cross-legged in the well-known position of a scribe.

In his left hand, he holds a papyrus unrolled over his knees, showing the list of funerary offerings. He wears a large wig, which leaves his ears uncovered, and a short belt-less skirt tied simply at the waist with a knot.
The first portrayals of seated scribes go back to the 4th Dynasty (around 2620-2500 BC). At that time they were princes of royal blood but officials gradually adopted this position.