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S

sa This was the hieroglyph for protection, duplicated in
metals and woods to form AMULETSin ancient Egypt.
Formed as a life preserver, the sawas worn around the
neck and was a rolled mat design, shaped like an ANKH,or
ansate cross. The gods Bes and Tawaret were honored
with this symbol. By the Middle Kingdom (2040–1640
B.C.E.) the sawas used as jewelry, and in the New King-
dom (1550–1070 B.C.E.) the sign appeared in other
designs as well.

sa-ankh Called “the fluid of life” or “water of life,” also
sa-en-ankh,a divine substance derived from the gods RÉ
and HORUS, the sa-ankhwas reserved at temples and used
in ceremonies held to honor the role of the PHARAOH. The
ruler became the counterpart of RÉ, the earthly manifesta-
tion of the deity, by partaking of “the water of life.” The
sa-ankhwas also given to pharaohs in the early morning
rituals of waking.
See also DAILY ROYAL RITES; RITE OF THE HOUSE OF
MORNING.

Sabef(fl. 28th century B.C.E.) Official and royal compan-
ion of the First Dynasty
He served QA’A(r. c. 2770–2760 B.C.E.) in the royal resi-
dence and as a royal counselor. His funerary STELAin ABY-
DOSdescribed his honorary status as a “companion,” a
title that indicated he had free access to the pharaoh.
See also FRIEND OF THE KING.

Sabni(fl. 22nd century B.C.E.)Prince and governor of the
Sixth Dynasty
He served PEPI II(r. 2246–2152 B.C.E.) as the governor of
ASWANand was called “the overseer of southern lands.”

Sabni was an hereditary prince of ELEPHANTINEIsland and

worked with Prince Mekhu, his father. Sabni directed the

QUARRYoperations for two obelisks, obligated to carve

and transport them to HELIOPOLIS. With an official named

HEKAIB, Sabni also undertook the punitive expeditions to

retrieve the remains of slain Egyptians in NUBIA(modern

Sudan). When he reached the remains of Mekhu, his

father, and brought them back to Egypt, Sabni was met

by a group of priests, embalmers, and mourners sent by

Pepi II. Sabni and Mekhu were buried in Qubbet el-

Hawwa, “the Dome of the Wind,” a necropolis site at

ASWAN. Their tomb has painted scenes, FALSE DOORSrep-

resenting each deceased, OBELISKS, offering tables, and

reliefs.

Sabu, Ibebi(fl. 24th century B.C.E.)Official of the Fifth

and Sixth Dynasties

He served UNIS (r. 2356–2323 B.C.E.) and TETI (r.

2323–2291 B.C.E.) in several capacities. Sabu was a coun-

selor and master of ceremonies for Unis, receiving the

title of “companion,” and then became the high priest of

PTAHin Teti’s reign. Ibebi Sabu conducted Teti’s corona-

tion rites. His mastaba in SAQQARAcontains an account of

his honors and Teti’s ascent to the throne.

Sabu, Thety(fl. 23rd century B.C.E.)Priestly official of

the Sixth Dynasty

He served TETI(r. 2323–2291 B.C.E.) as the high priest of

PTAH. He was the son of IBEBI SABU. Thety Sabu was so tal-

ented that he became the sole high priest. Prior to his

term of office it was believed necessary to install at least

two individuals as prelates to manage ceremonies and the

vast estates of Ptah. Thety Sabu conducted this office