ticketsMember | Make a donation

Whip Handle in the Shape of a Horse

New Kingdom
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 119
The horse was a relative latecomer to Egypt. It was introduced in the Second Intermediate period during the Hyksos domination of northern Egypt (ca. 1667–1570 B.C.E.), when new elements of warfare, notably the horse and chariot, were brought from the Near East. During the New Kingdom, this animal became a familiar sight, and there were many depictions of horses in art, particularly during the Amarna period.

This small ivory handle of a light whip or fly whisk is carved in the form of a prancing or running horse stained reddish brown with a black mane. The eyes, one of which has fallen out, were inlaid with garnet. The lively carving of this piece, especially the gracefully arched back, typifies the ability of Egyptian artists to evoke the essential qualities of animals. It also exemplifies the fine quality attained in the decorative arts during the reign of Amenhotep III.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Whip Handle in the Shape of a Horse
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Reign: reign of Amenhotep III
  • Date: ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Ivory, garnet, paint
  • Dimensions: L. 14.7 × H. 5.5 × W. 2 cm (5 13/16 × 2 3/16 × 13/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
  • Object Number: 26.7.1293
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Magic Wand, Ivory
Magic Wand
ca. 1850–1640 B.C.
Figure of an Asiatic captive, Ivory, red and pink pigment, white ground
Figure of an Asiatic captive
ca. 1295–1070 B.C.
Mechanical Dog, Ivory (elephant)
Mechanical Dog
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Gazelle, Ivory (elephant), wood, blue-pigment inlay
Gazelle
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
Pectoral and Necklace of Sithathoryunet with the Name of Senwosret II, Gold, carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise, garnet (pectoral)<br/>Gold, carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise, green feldspar (necklace)
Pectoral and Necklace of Sithathoryunet with the Name of Senwosret II
ca. 1887–1878 B.C.

Related Content

Timeline of Art History

Entries from The Met's art encyclopedia.

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.