Nubian. <em>Female Figurine</em>, ca. 3500–3100 B.C.E. Terracotta, pigment, 5 1/2 x 1 7/16 x 1 9/16 in. (14 x 3.7 x 4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Mrs. Carl L. Selden in honor of Bernard V. Bothmer, 1996.146.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1996.146.1_profile_PS2.jpg)

Nubian. Female Figurine, ca. 3500–3100 B.C.E. Terracotta, pigment, 5 1/2 x 1 7/16 x 1 9/16 in. (14 x 3.7 x 4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Mrs. Carl L. Selden in honor of Bernard V. Bothmer, 1996.146.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1996.146.1_profile_PS2.jpg)

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Female Figurine

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor

Female figurines in terracotta and stone have been excavated from Neolithic Period Nubian graves at sites such as El Kadada, suggesting they functioned in the mortuary ritual and perhaps in the afterlife of the deceased. Abbreviated arms, full hips, and incised and painted markings that could indicate tattooing, body decoration, or clothing are characteristic of these figurines.

CULTURE Nubian

MEDIUM Terracotta, pigment

Place Made: Egypt

DATES ca. 3500–3100 B.C.E.

PERIOD Predynastic Period, Naqada II to Naqada III Period

DIMENSIONS 5 1/2 x 1 7/16 x 1 9/16 in. (14 x 3.7 x 4 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 1996.146.1

CREDIT LINE Bequest of Mrs. Carl L. Selden in honor of Bernard V. Bothmer

PROVENANCE Archaeological provenance not documented; by 1977, acquired by Bruce McAlpine of London, United Kingdom; December 1, 1977, purchased from Bruce McAlpine by Carl Louis Selden and Florence Barstock Selden (Mrs. Carl L. Selden); 1977, loaned by Carl Louis Selden and Florence Barstock Selden to the Brooklyn Museum; 1996, bequest of Florence Barstock Selden to the Brooklyn Museum.

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EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor

CAPTION Nubian. Female Figurine, ca. 3500–3100 B.C.E. Terracotta, pigment, 5 1/2 x 1 7/16 x 1 9/16 in. (14 x 3.7 x 4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Mrs. Carl L. Selden in honor of Bernard V. Bothmer, 1996.146.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1996.146.1_profile_PS2.jpg)

IMAGE profile, 1996.146.1_profile_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2008

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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