Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered the head of a wooden statue, likely belonging to a female regent who ruled the country more than 4,000 years ago.

In a statement on Wednesday, Egypt's Antiquities Ministry said the artefact was uncovered in the Saqqara necropolis - an area which was used as the burial ground of the ancient Egyptian capital of Memphis.

"It is a promising area that could reveal more of its secrets soon," said Mostafa Waziri, the secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt. He added that the Egyptian-Swiss team will continue their excavations in the hope of finding yet more ancient structures and monuments.

It is believed that the uncovered head depicts Ankhesenpepi II, the mother of King Pepi II of the 6th dynasty who ascended to the throne at the age of six. She ruled Egypt as regent during the early years of his reign.

The statue head is in poor condition and will have to be restored, the ministry said.

Earlier in October, archaeologists at the same site in Saqqara discovered part of a pink granite obelisk belonging to the same dynasty.

The monument is believed to be more than 4,300 years old and is inscribed with the names and titles of Ankhesenpepi II.