The statue, representing a scribe and his wife, is the first known Dynastic Period example of double wooden sculpture to have come down to us, with all previous such finds carved in limestone, said Zahi Hawass, head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities.
"We see the statue as a great rarity," he said. "This is the first time archeologists have discovered a double wooden statue."
The unique artifact has been uncovered in the Sakkara necropolis, in the tomb of the scribe Ka-Hay, who lived between the late Fifth Dynasty Period (2508-2350 B.C.) and the beginning of the Sixth (2350-2200 B.C.), Hawass said.
Four other wooden statues of lesser importance have also been found in Ka-Hay's tomb, as well as two tables for offerings and a blind door to allow the spirit of the deceased to come and go.
All the artifacts are reported to be in good condition.
In Ancient Egypt, scribes were held in high regard as people who recorded tradition and history for posterity.
