Name of Artifact:‌ Egyptian Female Statue

Original Country:‌ Egypt

Year of Production:‌ Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12, reign of Amenemhat I (ca. 1981-1975 B.C.)

Material:‌ Gessoed and painted wood

Dimensions:‌ H. 44 1/4 in. (112 cm)

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

Background Information:‌
This statue, from the Middle Kingdom period of ancient Egypt, represents a woman carrying provisions, likely intended to ensure an eternal source of food for the afterlife. Statues such as this were often placed in tombs to serve the deceased in the next world. The woman’s attire and the basket she carries are indicative of her role in providing sustenance. Her detailed dress and the care put into the statue suggest she may represent a specific individual rather than a generic figure. The presence of such statues in the tomb reflects the importance of food and daily life in the beliefs and practices of ancient Egyptians.