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Hollow Figure of a Trussed Duck

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Placing models of food items in the tomb was one way to ensure food for the deceased in the netherworld. This model of a trussed duck guaranteed one of the delicacies that Egyptian nobles expected to enjoy in the afterlife.
MEDIUM Egyptian alabaster (calcite)
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1539-1292 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 18
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 2 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 5 in. (5.7 x 9.5 x 12.7 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 11.667
    CREDIT LINE Museum Collection Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Large alabaster figure of a trussed duck in the round. Interior hollowed out to form receptacle. Probably originally fitted with cover in form of duck’s head. Condition: General condition good, rim chipped, surface slightly worn. Down center of one side are faint traces of marks.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Hollow Figure of a Trussed Duck, ca. 1539-1292 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster (calcite), 2 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 5 in. (5.7 x 9.5 x 12.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund, 11.667. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.11.667_tlf.jpg)
    IMAGE installation, To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum Broooklyn Installation (2010), CUR.11.667_tlf.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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