Kneeling fecundity figure holding an offering table
The heavy hanging breasts and belly identify this statuette as a fecundity figure, a personification representing the fecundity of the land and river. He wears on his head a clump of papyrus plants and holds an offering table.
Before the Late Period such figures are depicted mainly in processions bringing offerings - usually to the god of a temple - or integrated in the Unification of the Two Lands emblem. This kneeling figure holds an offering table so seems more in line with the former role. In the Late Period fecundity figures sometimes appear in association with royal-like gods, so it is possible this figure was associated with such a god's image. At the corners are provisions for attaching the figure to a base, perhaps as part of such a group..
Before the Late Period such figures are depicted mainly in processions bringing offerings - usually to the god of a temple - or integrated in the Unification of the Two Lands emblem. This kneeling figure holds an offering table so seems more in line with the former role. In the Late Period fecundity figures sometimes appear in association with royal-like gods, so it is possible this figure was associated with such a god's image. At the corners are provisions for attaching the figure to a base, perhaps as part of such a group..
Artwork Details
- Title: Kneeling fecundity figure holding an offering table
- Period: Late Period
- Dynasty: Dynasty 26–30
- Date: 664–332 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Bronze or copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 7.5 cm (2 15/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Theodore M. Davis Collection, Bequest of Theodore M. Davis, 1915
- Object Number: 30.8.97
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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332–30 BCE
390–246 BCE
550–300 B.C.
ca. 712–664 B.C.
ca. 945–712 BCE
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