|
|
|
Concubine of the Dead
Material: Blue Faience
Interestingly, though decorated and painted female figures interpreted as symbols and amulets associated with fertility have been dated as early as the Preynastic Period, funerary assemblages from the Middle Kingdom often lack the lower part of their legs. It is not clear whether this was believed to have some magical or apotropaic value such as preventing the statuette from leaving the tomb.
This intensely blue figurine wears a smooth, three-part wig that leaves the ears uncovered. On the front of the thighs are diamond shapes that in real life would have been painted with henna.
See also our New Reader Picture Archive
Note: If you have a picture you would like featured, please email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |