Motherhood Statuettes

Photographer:

Kenneth Garrett

Title:

Motherhood Statuettes

Description:

Constructed of clay, these motherhood statuettes were symbols of fertility. Found in tombs in the Valley of the Golden Mummies, they date to the Greco-Roman period. In spite of the traditional nature of these figures, they are unique to the Bahariya Oasis in the way their breasts, faces and bases were modeled. For example, the lower half appears to be cylindrical instead of having formed legs. One of the figures has both female and male features, with a rectangular head, brown hair, large nose, thick lips and a short neck. Its breasts are large, which indicates fertility. It is strange that one hand rests beneath a breast, perhaps symbolizing life-giving regeneration.

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