Jerboa figurine

Unknown

ca. 1850–1640 B.C. · Faience · Egyptian Art

Already in the Early Dynastic Period, Egyptians deposited faience figurines of wild animals in temple precincts. These figurines were reintroduced in the Twelfth Dynasty, but as a component of burial equipment and with new species added to the repertoire. The controlled representation of desert animals may have assured the Egyptians of eternal safety, though they also likely had symbolic meanings.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1850–1640 B.C.

Medium

Faience

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926