Head of a Man of Nubian Descent
Middle Kingdom
Not on view
This head comes from a small figure that can be identified as a man of Nubian descent based on the distinctive ring shapes incised onto the hair. It is uncertain if the statue was intended to depict an actual person, represent a general ethnic type, or belonged to a magical/execration figurine. Throughout the Middle Kingdom, members of Nubian ethnic groups were depicted on relief, paintings, and stelae as members of Egyptian society, as well as captives and supplicants, but they did not often appear on sculpture with identifying physical characteristics. If this head belonged to a representation of a living person, he must have been a mid-level member of Egyptian society who was able to commission a modest but lively statue that reflected his desire to proudly commemorate his ethnic origins.
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