Female figurine

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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 BCE). This particular example most closely resembles examples that have been dated to the Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1630-1539/23 BCE). 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

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

West Building (Freer Gallery of Art), Gallery 20: A Collector’s Eye: Freer in Egypt

Related Online Resources

Google Arts & Culture

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National Museum of Asian Art

Data Source

National Museum of Asian Art

Topic

ceramic

woman

Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1630 - 1539 BCE)