Monkey playing the lyre and carrying a dish on its head

Unknown

332–30 B.C. · Cupreous metal · Egyptian Art

Monkeys performing human activities are a frequent theme. This particular example where the monkey-musician bears a dish on its head is unusual. The dish is slightly spouted, suggesting it was meant for contents that could be poured.

Artist

Unknown

Date

332–30 B.C.

Medium

Cupreous metal

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1958