Figure of a Lion
ca. 3100–2800 B.C.E.
Object Label
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.
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.
Caption
Figure of a Lion, ca. 3100–2800 B.C.E.. Terracotta, 2 9/16 x 2 1/4 x 5 1/8 in. (6.5 x 5.7 x 13 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 58.128.1.
Title
Figure of a Lion
Date
ca. 3100–2800 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 1 (probably)
Period
Late Naqada III Period to early Dynastic Period
Geography
Possible place collected: el-Mahasna, Egypt
Medium
Terracotta
Classification
Dimensions
2 9/16 x 2 1/4 x 5 1/8 in. (6.5 x 5.7 x 13 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
58.128.1
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