ticketsMember | Make a donation

A Tusk Figurine of a Man

Predynastic, Late Naqada l– Early Naqada II
ca. 3900–3500 B.C.
Not on view
Tusk figures belong to a group of abbreviated figurines made in the Predynastic Period. Such figurines emphasize only facial features and sexuality, while eliminating or schematizing limbs. Tusk figurines exploit a natural form –the tusk of a hippo– creating a male figure that radiates sexuality. This figurine is a superbly finished version of the type with the tusk’s tip carved into ring and a face and shoulders fashioned below. Although the eyes are only indicated by incised outlines with dots for pupils, the nose and mouth are well modeled.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: A Tusk Figurine of a Man
  • Period: Predynastic, Late Naqada l– Early Naqada II
  • Date: ca. 3900–3500 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt
  • Medium: Probably elephant ivory and organic material
  • Dimensions: h. 22.4 cm (8 13/16 in); w. 3 cm (13/16 in); d. 3.2 cm (1 1/4 in)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1923
  • Object Number: 23.2.31
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

More Artwork

More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Lion Cub, Quartzite
Lion Cub
ca. 3100–2900 BCE
Striding Figure, Quartzite, paint
Striding Figure
ca. 2575–2465 B.C.
Nikare with his Wife and Daughter, Limestone, paint
Nikare with his Wife and Daughter
ca. 2420–2389 B.C. or later
King Sahure Accompanied by a Divine Figure, Gneiss
King Sahure Accompanied by a Divine Figure
ca. 2458–2446 B.C.
Recumbent Lion, Granite
Recumbent Lion
ca. 2575–2450 B.C.

Related Content

Publications

Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.