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Figure of a Female Dwarf

Middle Kingdom

ca. 1981–1640 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 113

Dwarves and pygmies were highly respected in ancient Egypt. Apparently their short stature gave raise to the belief that they possessed beneficial magic powers. They also served as well-liked jesters at the royal court. This figure of a female dwarf of light blue faience is represented with a long bead necklace, armlets and an elaborate hairdo. An ancient magical spell prescribes that a dwarf figure should be placed on the body of a woman giving birth.

Figure of a Female Dwarf, Faience — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Figure of a Female Dwarf, Faience

Figure of a Female Dwarf, Faience

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Title: Figure of a Female Dwarf

Period: Middle Kingdom

Dynasty: Dynasty 12–13

Date: ca. 1981–1640 B.C.

Geography: From Egypt

Medium: Faience

Dimensions: H. 6.4 cm (2 1/2 in.); W. 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in.); D. 2.4 cm (15/16 in.)

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1972

Accession Number: 1972.48

Chronology

Egypt, 2000-1000 B.C.

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The Met

Egyptian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of ancient Egyptian art consists of approximately 26,000 objects of artistic, historical, and cultural importance, dating from the Paleolithic to the Roman period.