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A small inlaid sculpture of a soft-shelled turtle

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1991–1802 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 111
This exquisitely manufactured figurine represents an African soft-shelled turtle, Trionyx triunguis. Created from amethyst, a difficult stone to carve, this turtle’s back was inlaid with tiny semi-precious stones designed to imitate the stippled pattern found on the animal’s shell.

This object is a sophisticated example of Middle Kingdom artistic skill and creativity and must have been commissioned by an elite member of society. Animal figurines have a long history as gifts to deities and as burial goods to protect the dead.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: A small inlaid sculpture of a soft-shelled turtle
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12
  • Date: ca. 1991–1802 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt; Said to be from Northern Upper Egypt, Dendera
  • Medium: Amethyst, turquoise, lapis-lazuli, carnelian, adhesive
  • Dimensions: L. 4.7 × W. 3.5 × H. 1.5 cm (1 7/8 × 1 3/8 × 9/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.1359
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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