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Figure of a Scorpion

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Pre-Dynastic, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
Early Sculpture

Almost all of the small figures in this case originally were placed in temples.


We do not know the significance of many of these early objects. The lion probably embodied divine or royal power, and frogs may have provided protection during childbirth, as in later times.

The figure of a squatting little boy in this case may have been offered to a god as the expression of a wish to bear children. The destructive powers of animals such as pigs, hippos, and scorpions could apparently be neutralized and even made useful through their images, as in the hippo-headed top of a mace (war club).

The ivory lioness was part of a common board game, of which partial sets have survived. The opposing side’s pieces were carved ivory figures of crouching lions or dogs.
MEDIUM Egyptian alabaster
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES ca. 3200–3000 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY early Dynasty 1 (probably)
    PERIOD Predynastic Period, late Naqada III – Early Dynastic Period
    DIMENSIONS 1 1/8 x 1 x 3 1/2 in. (2.9 x 2.5 x 8.9 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 36.122
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    PROVENANCE Archaeological provenance not yet documented; by 1936, acquired by Garrett Chatfield Pier of Connecticut; March 6, 1936, purchased at the Anderson Galleries, New York, NY, “The Garrett Chatfield Pier Collection of Egyptian Antiquities,” lot 68, by the Brooklyn Museum.
    Provenance FAQ
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Pre-Dynastic, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
    CAPTION Figure of a Scorpion, ca. 3200–3000 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster, 1 1/8 x 1 x 3 1/2 in. (2.9 x 2.5 x 8.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 36.122. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.36.122_erg3.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.36.122_erg3.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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