Turtle as a Votive Mehen Game

Early Dynastic Period
ca. 3100–2649 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 101
It has been suggested that the protrusion on some mehen</> boards is a representation of a turtle’s head. This connection may be corroborated with this sculpture of a turtle with a series of concentric circles incised on its back, which has been interpreted as a votive mehen</> board.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Turtle as a Votive Mehen Game
  • Period: Early Dynastic Period
  • Date: ca. 3100–2649 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes
  • Medium: Serpentinite
  • Dimensions: W. 12 x L. 15 x Th. 5.2 cm (4 3/4 x 5 7/8 x 2 1/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Alice Hampshire Silver, 1961
  • Object Number: 61.33
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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