Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Monkey

ca. 1336–1327 B.C.E.

1 of 4

Object Label

Originally this whimsical representation of a monkey had movable forepaws. The left is now gone; only the wooden peg that held it in place survives. The piece may have been used as a diversion by a nurse to amuse and entertain a very young child. A strikingly similar piece, no doubt by the same master craftsman, was found by the English archaeologist Howard Carter in the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Caption

Monkey, ca. 1336–1327 B.C.E.. Ivory, 4 3/16 x 1 x 1 3/4 in. (10.7 x 2.5 x 4.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 55.176. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Title

Monkey

Date

ca. 1336–1327 B.C.E.

Dynasty

late Dynasty 18

Period

New Kingdom

Geography

Possible place collected: Thebes, Egypt

Medium

Ivory

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

4 3/16 x 1 x 1 3/4 in. (10.7 x 2.5 x 4.4 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

55.176

Frequent Art Questions

  • Can you tell me a little bit about this?

    This image of a hybrid monkey was likely used to entertain a very young child. Essentially it is a toy, as you might be able to tell from the moveable arms.

Have information?

Have information about an artwork? Contact us at

bkmcollections@brooklynmuseum.org.