Figure of a Pig
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
Faience
DATES
ca. 3000–2675 B.C.E.
DYNASTY
Dynasty 1 to Dynasty 2
PERIOD
Early Dynastic Period
DIMENSIONS
1 1/2 × 2 3/8 × 1 in. (3.8 × 6 × 2.5 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
57.165.5
CREDIT LINE
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Statuette of a standing animal. Probably a pig or boar, in blue-green fayence. Frontal. Head lowered almost touching the ground with wide snout. Knife-edge back, feet indicated only by grooved cut across body, short tail.
Condition: Rear right leg chipped. Glaze worn in spots.
CAPTION
Figure of a Pig, ca. 3000–2675 B.C.E. Faience, 1 1/2 × 2 3/8 × 1 in. (3.8 × 6 × 2.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 57.165.5. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.57.165.5_NegID_57.165.2_GRPA_print_cropped_bw.jpg)
IMAGE
detail,
CUR.57.165.5_NegID_57.165.2_GRPA_print_cropped_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2014
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Creative Commons-BY
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