Container in the Form of a Female Dwarf
This pregnant nude female has a fancy hairdo and her nipples are outlined in black pigment to draw attention to them. She also displays characteristics that suggest she is clearly meant to be understood to be a female achondroplastic dwarf. It is possible a dwarf was chosen as the subject for this container because in ancient societies, the physical characteristics of dwarfism could create difficult pregnancies and the women often died giving birth. A female dwarf who could successfully give birth would be a very potent symbol.
The statuette’s interior has been hollowed out so that the figurine was meant to serve as a container, although its lid is now missing. The figurine could have functioned as a kohl jar, although no signs remain of any material used for eye makeup remains. There is an alternative interpretation for the jar’s use, however, and that is as a container to hold something magical (see. 43.8a, b). Such an interpretation might connect effectively to the special pregnancy represented.
The statuette’s interior has been hollowed out so that the figurine was meant to serve as a container, although its lid is now missing. The figurine could have functioned as a kohl jar, although no signs remain of any material used for eye makeup remains. There is an alternative interpretation for the jar’s use, however, and that is as a container to hold something magical (see. 43.8a, b). Such an interpretation might connect effectively to the special pregnancy represented.
Artwork Details
- Title: Container in the Form of a Female Dwarf
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 12–13
- Date: ca. 1981–1640 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Faience
- Dimensions: H. 5.2 × W. 3.8 × D. 2.3 cm (2 1/16 × 1 1/2 × 7/8 in.)
- Credit Line: Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020
- Object Number: 2021.41.57
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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ca. 1961–1878 B.C.
ca. 1981–1802 B.C.
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
ca. 1981–1802 B.C.
ca. 1550–1458 B.C.
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