Advanced Search 
Figure of female
Egyptian
Byzantine (Coptic) Period
6th–7th century A.D.
Findspot: Egypt, Naga el-Deir, N1601
Medium/Technique
Pottery
Dimensions
Other: 14 x 3.4 x 3.4 cm (5 1/2 x 1 5/16 x 1 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Hearst Expedition
Accession Number2021.564
ClassificationsSculpture
DescriptionHollow terracotta standing female figure, made from a two-part mold. A triangular headdress, which is pierced (perhaps for hanging but also to adorn with metal earrings), covers her black painted hair. Paint strokes define her eyes, eyebrows, mouth and nose. Her breasts are widely spaced and emphasized. Painted decoration in black and red pigment over a white slip covering the buff-colored clay suggests clothing and jewelry.
These types of figurines were produced in Egypt between the fourth and seventh centuries. These object may have been sold at local shrines and left as votive offerings by women in request for health, fertility, or for other domestic concerns. They could also serve as dolls for young girls. This particular figurine was excavated from a female burial at Naga el-Deir along with a fragment of a terracotta horse, another popular subject for contemporary figurines.
These types of figurines were produced in Egypt between the fourth and seventh centuries. These object may have been sold at local shrines and left as votive offerings by women in request for health, fertility, or for other domestic concerns. They could also serve as dolls for young girls. This particular figurine was excavated from a female burial at Naga el-Deir along with a fragment of a terracotta horse, another popular subject for contemporary figurines.
ProvenanceFrom Naga el-Deir, N1601. Hearst Expedition. (Accession Date: November 19, 2021)