Female figurine

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

• Origin

  Egypt

• Credit Line

  Gift of Charles Lang Freer

• Type

  Sculpture

• On View

  Freer Gallery 20: A Collector’s Eye: Freer in Egypt

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  BCE 1000s

• Name

  Freer, Charles Lang

• Place

  Egypt

• Topic

  Charles Lang Freer collection, Art, Second Intermediate Period (ca. 1630 - 1539 BCE), Ancient Egyptian Art, Ceramics, Woman

• Culture

  Egyptians

• Object Type

  Sculpture

• On View

  Yes