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Antelope Head

Late Period
525–404 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 123
This head of an antelope represents Late Period animal sculpture at its very best. The well preserved right eye, inlaid with alabaster and agate, gives the animal a truly lifelike quality.

The head was probably part of a ceremonial boat of hard stone that stood in a temple sanctuary. Boats with antelope heads at the prow were sacred to the god Sokar. A Sokar boat can be seen on the inner coffin of Kharushere (86.1.33a, b)..

Another fine animal sculpture in the collection, slightly later in date, is the Museum's falcon with Nectanebo II of Dynasty 30 (see 34.2.1).

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Antelope Head
  • Period: Late Period
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 27
  • Date: 525–404 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt; Probably from Memphite Region, Memphis (Mit Rahina)
  • Medium: Greywacke, travertine (Egyptian alabaster), agate
  • Dimensions: h. 9 cm (3 9/16 in); w. 15 cm (5 7/8 in)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers and Fletcher Funds and Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1992
  • Object Number: 1992.55
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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