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Figurine

10th-11th century

Not on view

During both the Byzantine and the Islamic periods, female images signified abundance, fertility, intellectual pursuits, deities, and cities. Women also appear as court entertainers such as dancers, musicians, and courtesans.
The "tattoos" on this figurine may have had a therapeutic or an apotropaic function associated with warding off the evil eye. Hair may have been added to its head.

Figurine, Bone, carved; painted with black organic material — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: Figurine

Date: 10th-11th century

Geography: Made in Egypt

Medium: Bone, carved; painted with black organic material

Dimensions: 6 1/8 x 1 9/16 x 13/16 in. (15.5 x 4 x 2 cm)

Classification: Ivories-Bone

Credit Line: The British Museum, London (1979,1017.203)

The Met

Medieval Art and The Cloisters at The Met

The Museum's collection of medieval and Byzantine art is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing the art of the Mediterranean and Europe from the fall of Rome to the beginning of the Renaissance.