So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man's ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man (Genesis 2:21-23). The bond between a man and a woman represents something special, even dating back to the book of Genesis. The statues of King Menkaure and Queen Khamerernebty radiate the strength and unity of this bond that is shared between a man and woman, husband and wife, and in this case, the king and queen. This statue seems to tell a very interesting story of devotion and affection the queen has for her king. He stands proudly before his audience ready to defend and protect her and his people in their life, as well as their after lives. The way that king Menkaure is standing with such presence shows that he was very confident in who he was. His fist and his hands are in the position of a strong warrior. The Queen is right beside him and very proud to be in the position of his lifelong partner and companion. The way Queen Khamerernebty is holding on to him portrays a lasting image. In some way she believes that it is humanly possible to pull from his strength and somehow become one with his power and spirit. The strong connection in their unity is a trait that even men and women today yearn and hope for. It seems as though the materials that they are carved from depict strength, stability, and durability. We know this from the fact that they have lasted from century to century with limited corrosion or heavy damage. Side by side the two of them stand, ready to take on whatever the world or the Dynasty for that matter has to throw at them. Together they stand tall, knowing that without the other, they are ultimately nothing. Fearing deep down that one day they will suffer a great loss, if by some chance one of their lives is terminated and the King and Queen's physical union is no more.
