Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Female Figurine

ca. 1938–1539 B.C.E.

1 of 6

Object Label

Scholars once thought that nude female figurines of this type—with incomplete legs, jewelry, often an elaborate hairdo, and sometimes tattoos—served as symbolic concubines for men in the afterlife. We now know, however, that they functioned as fertility figurines for both men and women. Most were dedicated in shrines of Hathor and other goddesses by those hoping to have a child.

Caption

Female Figurine, ca. 1938–1539 B.C.E.. Limestone, pigment, 4 5/8 x 1 7/8 in. (11.8 x 4.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 48.25. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Title

Female Figurine

Date

ca. 1938–1539 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 12 to Dynasty 17

Period

Middle Kingdom to Second Intermediate Period

Geography

Place made: Egypt

Medium

Limestone, pigment

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

4 5/8 x 1 7/8 in. (11.8 x 4.7 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

48.25

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