ticketsMember | Make a donation

Figurine of a Seated Woman

Late Naqada II
ca. 3450–3300 B.C.
Not on view
This limestone figurine is the finest preserved of unusual group of Predynastic statuettes. These seated women display beak-like noses and missing or schematized arms. The hair, narrow waist and wide hips are clearly shown to emphasize female sexuality. The light colored surface created an ideal canvas for painted details, including jewelry and animal figures that scholars now believe are associated with a ritual activity. Her eyes were enhanced with green malachite and her elaborate coiffure was modeled separately using a mixture of plant matter and fats. She wears a series of necklaces in red and green beads and unusual beaded anklets.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Figurine of a Seated Woman
  • Period: Late Naqada II
  • Date: ca. 3450–3300 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt; Possibly from Northern Upper Egypt, Naqada (Nubt, Ombos)
  • Medium: Limestone, organic material, paint, malachite
  • Dimensions: D. 22.8 x H. 19.8 x W. 9.4 cm (9 x 7 13/16 x 3 11/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1907
  • Object Number: 07.228.71
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

Audio

Cover Image for 3211. Figurine of a Seated Woman

3211. Figurine of a Seated Woman

0:00
0:00
We're sorry, the transcript for this audio track is not available at this time. Please email info@metmuseum.org to request a transcript for this track.

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
The King's Acquaintances Memi and Sabu, Limestone, paint
The King's Acquaintances Memi and Sabu
ca. 2575–2465 B.C.
Nikare with his Wife and Daughter, Limestone, paint
Nikare with his Wife and Daughter
ca. 2420–2389 B.C. or later
Lion Cub, Quartzite
Lion Cub
ca. 3100–2900 BCE
Statue of Kneeling Captive, Limestone, paint
Statue of Kneeling Captive
ca. 2246–2152 B.C.
Striding Figure, Quartzite, paint
Striding Figure
ca. 2575–2465 B.C.

Related Content

Perspectives

Articles, audio, and video from The Met's online magazine.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.