This statue is thought to be the oldest, life size, sculpture known from Egyptian antiquity. It was placed inside a small closed room (so-called "serdab") at the north eastern corner of the Step Pyramid of king Djoser in Sakkara, the earliest monumental construction made of stone. Here the statue became the dwelling of the "ka" or guardian spirit of the king who is represented seated on an elevated throne with a high back. He could thus hear the prayers, smell the scent of incense and enjoy the offerings. The king is shown wearing the "nemes" headdress, a false beard, and carries a scepter in his right hand. His eyes which were once inlaid with semi-precious stones retain a straight look giving it a lifelike effect. The inscription on the base of the throne gives the royal Horus name "Netjery-khet".