Model or Temple Offering of a Foot
Brooklyn Museum photograph
Object Label
The smooth surface at the top of this foot indicates that it is not a tragment from a sculpture but a complete, intact object, probably a temple offering (ex voto). Perhaps it represents an individual's request to a god for relief from an ailment. Contrary to popular belief, not all temple offerings were images of deities.
Caption
Model or Temple Offering of a Foot, ca. 664–30 B.C.E.. Limestone, 3 15/16 x 2 1/2 x 8 3/4 in. (10 x 6.4 x 22.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 34.1001. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Title
Model or Temple Offering of a Foot
Date
ca. 664–30 B.C.E.
Period
Late Period to Ptolemaic Period
Geography
Possible place made: Sais (vicinity), Egypt
Medium
Limestone
Classification
Dimensions
3 15/16 x 2 1/2 x 8 3/4 in. (10 x 6.4 x 22.3 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
34.1001
Frequent Art Questions
Is there any symbolism to feet in ancient Egypt?
Feet can have a few associations. Egyptians were interested in showing the perfect body so the feet are usually depicted and very strong and grounded. Long toes were also an important characteristic. This foot-shaped offering may have been made in hopes for some foot-based healing for the donor. It also may have been associated with the composite deity Serapis who was commonly offered images of his foot.
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