Female Figure

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Female Figure

Egypt, 8th-10th century
Bone, carved
7 x 2 1/4 x 1 in. (17.78 x 5.72 x 2.54 cm)
The Nasli M. Heeramaneck Collection, gift of Joan Palevsky (M.73.5.368)
Not currently on public view

Curator Notes

Small bone figurines of this type have been found in large numbers in archaeological excavations in Egypt and were likely mass-produced for Late Byzantine markets, a practice that continued after the ...
Small bone figurines of this type have been found in large numbers in archaeological excavations in Egypt and were likely mass-produced for Late Byzantine markets, a practice that continued after the Muslim conquests. While some scholars believe they are fertility symbols, their discovery in children’s burials suggests that they were used as toys. This female statuette has holes at the shoulders where moveable arms were once attached, enlivening the tiny figure.
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Bibliography

  • Lo Terrenal y lo Divino: Arte Islámico siglos VII al XIX Colección del Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Ángeles. Santiago: Centro Cultural La Moneda, 2015.

  • Pal, Pratapaditya, ed.  Islamic Art:  The Nasli M. Heeramaneck Collection.  Los Angeles:  Museum Associates, 1973.