<em>Paddle Doll</em>, ca. 2008–1630 B.C.E. Wood, pigment, 8 7/8 x 2 7/16 x 1/4 in. (22.6 x 6.2 x 0.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.103E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.103E_front_PS4.jpg)

Paddle Doll, ca. 2008–1630 B.C.E. Wood, pigment, 8 7/8 x 2 7/16 x 1/4 in. (22.6 x 6.2 x 0.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.103E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.103E_front_PS4.jpg)

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Why are these called a dolls?

I believe the term doll was assigned to this type of object because of the abbreviated human form similar to a toy. The term has endured even though we not know that they were not toys, but that they were likely associated with music.

Paddle Doll

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

The term paddle doll dates to archaeologists’ first discovery of such objects in the early twentieth century. Today, Egyptologists understand these objects not as dolls, but as representations of musicians who doubled as midwives. The necklaces they wear represent a musical instrument called a menat in Egyptian.

The Egyptians considered music to be a therapeutic or even magical element aiding childbirth. When these images were included in the tomb, they could help ease the pain of rebirth into the next life.

MEDIUM Wood, pigment

Place Made: Egypt

DATES ca. 2008–1630 B.C.E.

PERIOD Middle Kingdom

DIMENSIONS 8 7/8 x 2 7/16 x 1/4 in. (22.6 x 6.2 x 0.6 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 37.103E

CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Flat wooden female figurine with details of anatomy, garment and jewelry painted in red and black on both sides. Probably a servant figurine, also referred to as a paddle doll. Condition: Left arm is missing, and part of the head and right arm have been broken off. There are two holes through the figure, one below the head and the other near the bottom. The edges are generally worn, especially the lower left. There are diagonal lines scored across the front and the back, and patches of grayish dirt.

EXHIBITIONS

A Woman's Afterlife: Gender Transformation in Ancient Egypt

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Paddle Doll, ca. 2008–1630 B.C.E. Wood, pigment, 8 7/8 x 2 7/16 x 1/4 in. (22.6 x 6.2 x 0.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.103E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.103E_front_PS4.jpg)

IMAGE front, 37.103E_front_PS4.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2016

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

Why are these called a dolls?