Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom, 11th to 13th Dynasty, ca. 2030 to 1650 BCE. An attractive head carved from granite of a man with rounded features, perhaps a scribe or priestly figure, based on the smooth top. The man is presented with a shaven or bald head that is elongated at the back of the cranium. The visage consists of relief carved features, including almond shaped eyes, wide nose, and pursed lips. The ears, neck, and face are well defined with a polished surface. Sculptures of priests were created as votive offerings to be left at temples or places of worship, as these figures signified the constant worship of the gods. This is a lovely example of the religious practice. Size: 1.5" L x 1.75" W x 1.6" H (3.8 cm x 4.4 cm x 4.1 cm); 3.5" H (8.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Elongated skull shapes may have been a natural condition for some Egyptians, but others may have resorted to head binding to further define the cranium, as a sign of beauty and elite status. Egypt had both male and female priests who were crucial to maintaining the complex religious rituals and beliefs of the Egyptian world. The power of the Egyptian priesthood served as a check on that of the monarchy, and high priests and the temples they commanded could amass wealth and influence that at times challenged the pharaoh.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-William Kelly Simpson, PhD estate, former curator of Egyptology at the Met, New York and MFA Boston, acquired prior to 1979

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#165012

Fragment of a larger piece as shown. Nicks and chips to top of head and neck area. Great preservation of details and smooth surface.