Artifact Name:‌ Wooden Statuette of a Man

Origin:‌ Egypt

Period:‌ Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, reign of Senusret II or III (ca. 1890-1878 B.C.)

Material:‌ Wood

Dimensions:‌ H. 20 1/4 in. (51.4 cm)

Current Location:‌ The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA

Background Information:‌
This wooden statuette represents a man, likely a high official or a member of the royal court, from the Middle Kingdom period of ancient Egypt, specifically the 12th Dynasty under the reign of Senusret II or III. The figure’s attire, consisting of a kilt and a headdress, along with the staff in hand, suggests a person of status and authority. The stylized features, such as the serene expression and the detailed carving of the kilt’s folds, are characteristic of the artistic conventions of the time.

The statuette’s purpose was likely funerary, serving as a ka-image intended to house the deceased’s ka, or life-force, in the afterlife. Such statues were often placed in tombs and were believed to act as intermediaries between the living and the deceased. The figure’s raised hand holding a staff may symbolize control or command, reinforcing the individual’s role and status in both life and death.

The wood used for the statuette has a rich, warm tone, with the grain and texture of the material adding to the sculpture’s visual appeal. Over time, the wood has developed a patina, which can be seen in the areas where the surface has been worn, possibly due to handling or ritual use.

The artifact’s current location in The Metropolitan Museum of Art allows for public access and scholarly study, providing insights into the cultural and artistic heritage of ancient Egypt during the Middle Kingdom. The statuette serves as a historical record of the artistic styles, cultural practices, and societal values of the time and place it represents.