Relief plaque with birds on both sides
Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
Small Late Period and Ptolemaic reliefs or sculptures that depict a subject in a partial or unfinished way but are themselves complete objects constitute a special class of objects. These objects, sometimes called "sculptor's models/votives" by Egyptologists, were the material of a donation practice, perhaps connected with these centuries' prolific temple building. Unfortunately, there is little to illuminate us about the mechanics of such a donation practice. This example depicts a swallow on one side, and possibly a quail chick on the other.
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.