Statuette of a Nude Woman

Unknown

ca. 1550–1070 B.C. · Limestone, black pigment · Egyptian Art

This nude young woman belongs to a category of female figurine believed to convey to the owner or the donor the blessing of rebirth or fertility. Her excellent preservation suggests that probably this statuette was buried in a tomb. Her style is unique, however. She is adorned with numerous pieces of jewelry and an elaborate hairstyle, typical of the class of figurines, but her hairstyle is divided into three bundles: one on either side of her face and a third in the back. The hairstyle and flattened head are known from the Second Intermediate Period from a different type of female figurine, but the wasp waist and types of jewelry suggest a this lady dates to the New Kingdom.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1550–1070 B.C.

Medium

Limestone, black pigment

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian, 2020