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Female Figure

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1850–1750 B.C.
Not on view
Female figures of this type, often found with burials especially of the Middle Kingdom, were in the past called "concubines." Nowadays they are understood in a more general sense as representations of the life-giving female powers of sexual attraction and giving birth, powers from which the dead could derive a new life. As is the case for most representatives of the type, this faience figure lacks the lower legs and has elaborate tattoos all over its body. The figure also wears a girdle of cowrie shell shaped beads and a long bead necklace crossed over the chest. The hair is arranged in the so-called "Hathor" style–two thick tresses with curled ends falling forward over the shoulders.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Female Figure
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Late Dynasty 12–early Dynasty 13
  • Date: ca. 1850–1750 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, cemetery east of the tomb of Senwosret (758), Pit 752, MMA excavations, 1906–07
  • Medium: Faience, paint
  • Dimensions: H. 12.7 cm (5 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1908
  • Object Number: 08.200.18
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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