Figure
1 of 5
Object Label
A canopic chest could be used to hold the jars for mummified internal organs. On the lid is the falcon-shaped god Sokar, a form of the sun-god sometimes combined with Osiris, god of the dead. The sides of the chest represent the starry sky, at the top; then a winged sun-disk crossing the sky; and the protective Sons of Horus positioned in a temple-like façade. Below the temple are hieroglyphs that repeat the phrases “all life and dominion” and “life and endurance,” both associated with Isis and Osiris.
Caption
Anatolian; Ancient Near Eastern. Figure, 3rd millennium B.C.E.. Marble, 6 7/8 x 4 3/16 x 1/4 in. (17.4 x 10.6 x 0.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Bequest of Mrs. Carl L. Selden, 1996.146.5. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1996.146.5_front_PS2.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Cultures
Title
Figure
Date
3rd millennium B.C.E.
Period
Early Bronze Age
Geography
Place made: Turkey (Anatolia)
Medium
Marble
Classification
Dimensions
6 7/8 x 4 3/16 x 1/4 in. (17.4 x 10.6 x 0.6 cm)
Credit Line
Bequest of Mrs. Carl L. Selden
Accession Number
1996.146.5
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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Frequent Art Questions
And why do they think this is a figure?
The general form is similar to other figural works from Anatolia in this period. This example is very abstract. Other examples resemble the human figure more strongly.Thank you!Why are the female idols depicted as abstract figures?
Lots of people wonder that! These small female figurines and ones like them are some of the oldest art works known in the worlds today. They predate writing so we can only speculate.One theory is that communication was more important than realism. You may notice that breasts and pubic regions are emphasized leading scholars to believe that these were symbols of fertility. As long as the viewer could tell that the figure was a fertile woman, it has done its job, it does not need to be realistic. To the same end, these were produced in great numbers and it was easier to make somewhat abstracted figures.
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