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Figurine of a man

Predynastic, early Naqada II
ca. 3650–3450 B.C.
Not on view
The earliest pieces of Egyptian sculpture represent men and women in formal poses. Figurines were made from mud or unbaked clay, ceramic, or ivory; details such as body hair, clothing, and tattoos were either incised or painted on the clay surface. This bearded man is made from the end portion of a hippo incisor. The features of his face and clothing were incised into the ivory and filled with a black paste like substance. Figurines are very rare in this period of Egyptian art and little is known about their use in the Predynastic cultures that created them.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Figurine of a man
  • Period: Predynastic, early Naqada II
  • Date: ca. 3650–3450 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Ivory (elephant)
  • Dimensions: h. 6.5 x w. 2.2 x d. 0.9 cm (2 9/16 x 7/8 x 3/8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1954
  • Object Number: 54.28.2
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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