Paddle Doll

Middle Kingdom

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109

This “paddle doll” was found in Tomb MMA 813. Like most examples of this type, the figure has a keyhole shaped body and rudimentary left arm; the right arm is missing. Most of the torso is decorated with a diamond patterned garment, which ends above a large pubic triangle. Braces painted on the doll’s back may be meant to hold the garment in place and there is a necklace painted around the neck. On the head, there was likely once “hair” made of mud beads, a few of which were found loose with the doll.

For more on paddle dolls, see 15.10.90 & 31.3.35a, b.

Paddle Doll, Wood, paint

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Paddle Doll, Wood, paint
Paddle Doll, Wood, paint

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