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Model of a female offering bearer

Egyptian
Middle Kingdom, late Dynasty 11 – early Dynasty
2010–1961 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Deir el-Bersha, Tomb 10, shaft A (Djehutynakht)

Medium/Technique Wood
Dimensions Height: 36.8 cm (14 1/2 in.)
Credit Line Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number21.883
ClassificationsModels

DescriptionThis wooden model figure depicts a nude female offering bearer standing with legs together, feet slightly apart, carrying a basket on her head. The arms are carved as separate components and are still articulated with the body. The left arm is raised to balance the basket. She stands on a rectangular wooden base. The end of the legs have been carved as pegs for attachment to the base, and one added foot component (the left) remains. The skin is painted a dark brownish-yellow. She wears a short, black wig. The eyes are detailed in white and black. The pubic area is deatailed with incised dots filled with black. A black line pattern has been applied to the basket. The base retains traces of white paint and what appears to be a black outline of the woman's feet.
ProvenanceFrom Deir el-Bersha, tomb 10, shaft A (tomb of Djehutynakht). May 1915: excavated by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of Egypt. (Accession Date: March 1, 1921)