Female Figure
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
Called “Bird Ladies” because of their birdlike heads, these figurines are painted with long white skirts; the remains of black pitch on the heads of a few indicate added hair or wigs. Two types are known—the majority have raised arms, while others have “stub-arms,” which may indicate a flattened version of arms bent below the breasts. Similar Predynastic figures, with more human but featureless round heads, occur on painted pottery made in the same era (an example is on view in the Egyptian galleries on the third floor).
Excavated figurines of both types come from burials. These examples were among sixteen deposited in one tomb. Perhaps they represent goddesses, priestesses, or mourners; their presence in tombs suggests a function connected to the mortuary ritual or the rebirth of the deceased.
Excavated figurines of both types come from burials. These examples were among sixteen deposited in one tomb. Perhaps they represent goddesses, priestesses, or mourners; their presence in tombs suggests a function connected to the mortuary ritual or the rebirth of the deceased.
MEDIUM
Clay, pigment
DATES
ca. 3650 B.C.E.–3300 B.C.E.
PERIOD
Predynastic Period, Naqada II Period
DIMENSIONS
9 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 1 3/4 in. (23.5 x 8.9 x 4.4 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
07.447.500
CREDIT LINE
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Terracotta figurine of a woman, with uplifted arms. Rather small breasts. Flat torso. Long legs, peg-shaped, extremely faintly separated. Buff pottery, painted red on body; white, indicating cloth, from hips down.
Condition: Arms repaired at shoulder. Head and neck and arms from elbows on lacking. Foot end damaged. Paint mostly gone.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Female Figure, ca. 3650 B.C.E.–3300 B.C.E. Clay, pigment, 9 1/4 x 3 1/2 x 1 3/4 in. (23.5 x 8.9 x 4.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 07.447.500. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 07.447.500_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 07.447.500_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2008
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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