Jerboa figurine

Middle Kingdom

ca. 1850–1640 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 111

Already in the Early Dynastic Period, Egyptians deposited faience figurines of wild animals in temple precincts. These figurines were reintroduced in the Twelfth Dynasty, but as a component of burial equipment and with new species added to the repertoire. The controlled representation of desert animals may have assured the Egyptians of eternal safety, though they also likely had symbolic meanings.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Jerboa figurine
Period: Middle Kingdom
Dynasty: Dynasty 12–13
Date: ca. 1850–1640 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt; Possibly from Memphite Region, Heliopolis (Iunu; On)
Medium: Faience
Dimensions: L. 4.3 cm (1 11/16 in.); W. 3 cm (1 3/16 in.); H. 4.2 cm (1 5/8 in.)
Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
Object Number: 26.7.901
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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