Female figurine

Middle Kingdom

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

This female figurine of imported ebony was found in the tomb of an archer named Neferhotep, along with two block statues, a quiver full of arrows, a fan handle of gilded wood, a club, and a shell. This type of figurine was an innovation of the Middle Kingdom; other examples wear jewelry and can be tattoed. Once interpreted as "concubines for the dead," they are now thought perhaps to be representations of sacred dancers involved in the cult of the goddess Hathor. A second such figurine was also found in the tomb; made of turqoise-colored faience, this second example has long hair, jewelry, and tattoos, all indicated with black paint.

Female figurine, Wood, ebony

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Female figurine, Wood, ebony
Female figurine, Wood, ebony
Female figurine, Wood, ebony
Female figurine, Wood, ebony

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