Upper Part of a Jar in the Shape of a Woman’s Head

New Kingdom

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 116

This woman’s head belonged to the upper part of a figure vase, a type of vessel that became popular during the 18th Dynasty. Her hair and facial details are rendered in black paint. A small circular handle is attached to the back of her head.

Figure vases could represent servants and personal attendants, but the most popular type depicted kneeling women with children. Their iconography put the emphasis on private and everyday life, and it is supposed they were linked to midwifery and/or medicine.

Upper Part of a Jar in the Shape of a Woman’s Head, Pottery, paint

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Upper Part of a Jar in the Shape of a Woman’s Head, Pottery, paint
Upper Part of a Jar in the Shape of a Woman’s Head, Pottery, paint
Upper Part of a Jar in the Shape of a Woman’s Head, Pottery, paint
Upper Part of a Jar in the Shape of a Woman’s Head, Pottery, paint
Upper Part of a Jar in the Shape of a Woman’s Head, Pottery, paint
Upper Part of a Jar in the Shape of a Woman’s Head, Pottery, paint

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.