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Figurine

10th-11th century
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 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)
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters