Female Monkey Holding Its Baby

Unknown

ca. 1981–1802 B.C. · Amethyst · Egyptian Art

The monkey sits holding her baby (head missing) close to her chest. The piece is exquisitely carved and a hole has been drilled just below the shoulders for suspension. Monkeys, not native to Egypt, were imported as exotic pets and frequently appeared as decoration on cosmetic equipment. The pose of this pair is first seen in Old Kingdom cosmetic jars (see 30.8.134, 1992.338) that also depict mother monkeys with their young. This example probably dates to Dynasty 12 of the Middle Kingdom when amethyst was frequently used as a material for miniature representations of animals. The image of a mother and infant of any species is often interpreted as symbolizing rebirth. However, small chips and signs of wear around the edges of the suspension hole and the base suggests that the piece was used by a living owner and not designed specifically as an amulet for the dead.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1981–1802 B.C.

Medium

Amethyst

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Norbert Schimmel Trust, 1989