Collection
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Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Paddle Doll

ca. 2081–1700 B.C.E.

1 of 6

Object Label

So-called paddle dolls are flat, schematic representations of naked, legless female figures on which jewelry, belts, and other details have been painted or drawn. Made as fertility figures, they were dedicated to goddesses by women or couples hoping to have children. Some are adorned with strings of mud pellets, apparently imitating hair. Many also have painted images— possibly representing tattoos—of deities such as Bes and Taweret or of human couples in sexual embrace.

Caption

Paddle Doll, ca. 2081–1700 B.C.E.. Wood, mud, pigment, 9 x 2 5/8 x 3/16 in. (22.8 x 6.7 x 0.5 cm)Measurements: Ht. 22.8 cm.; greatest width c. 6.7 cm.; thickness 0.5 cm. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.102E. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Title

Paddle Doll

Date

ca. 2081–1700 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 11 to early Dynasty 13

Period

Middle Kingdom

Geography

Place made: Egypt

Medium

Wood, mud, pigment

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

9 x 2 5/8 x 3/16 in. (22.8 x 6.7 x 0.5 cm)Measurements: Ht. 22.8 cm.; greatest width c. 6.7 cm.; thickness 0.5 cm.

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

37.102E

Frequent Art Questions

  • Tell me more.

    The term paddle doll dates to archaeologists’ first discovery of such objects in the early twentieth century.
    Today, Egyptologists understand these objects not as dolls, but as representations of musicians who doubled as midwives. The necklaces they wear, called a menat, may have also been used as rattle.
    The Egyptians considered music and sound to be a therapeutic or even magical element aiding childbirth. When these images were included in the tomb, they could help ease the pain of rebirth into the next life.

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