Female figurine
Object Details
- Label
- This type of "doll" figure has been found in ancient Egypt in graves dating from Dynasties 12 to 18 (ca. 1938-1539 B.C.E.). This particular example most closely resembles examples that have been dated to the Second Intermediate Period (ca. 16301539/23 B.C.E.). These figurines, which clearly symbolized fertility, were placed in graves to ensure the rebirth and fertility of the deceased in the next world. The holes in the ears of this figure would likely have contained beaded earrings at one time, and the perforations on the top of the head were used to attach strings of clay beads in imitation of flowing hair. The coils of pierced clay around the neck were made to imitate heavy necklaces.
- Provenance
- To 1906-1907
- Unidentified owner, Egypt, to 1906-1907 [1]
- From 1906-1907 to 1919
- Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased in Egypt from an unidentified owner in the winter of 1906-1907 [2]
- From 1920
- Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]
- Notes:
- [1] See Original Pottery List, L. 1876, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives.
- [2] See note 1.
- [3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.
- Collection
- Freer Gallery of Art Collection
- Exhibition History
- A Collector’s Eye: Freer in Egypt (January 28, 2023 to 2025)
- Charles Lang Freer and Egypt (June 13, 1998 to October 2, 2011)
- Previous custodian or owner
- Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Charles Lang Freer
- Data Source
- Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
- Date
- 1640-1550 BCE
- Period
- Second Intermediate Period, Dynasties 15 to 18
- Accession Number
- F1907.389
- Restrictions & Rights
- Usage conditions apply
- Type
- Sculpture
- Medium
- Terracotta
- Dimensions
- H x W x D: 16.3 x 5.4 x 2.9 cm (6 7/16 x 2 1/8 x 1 1/8 in)
- Origin
- Egypt
- On View
- Freer Gallery 20: A Collector’s Eye: Freer in Egypt
- Related Online Resources
- Google Cultural Institute
- See more items in
- Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Collection
- Topic
- ceramic
- woman
- Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1630 - 1539 BCE)
- Egypt
- Ancient Egyptian Art
- Charles Lang Freer collection
- Record ID
- fsg_F1907.389
- Usage
- Usage conditions apply
Related Object Groups
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