Animal figure
Unknown Artist
ca. 1850–1640 B.C.
Medium
Mud, faience
Dimensions
H. 4.6 × W. 1.7 × D. 2.1 cm (1 13/16 × 11/16 × 13/16 in.)
Classification
Figurine, animal
Period
Middle Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1915
Accession Number
15.3.272
Tags
Art Historical Context
This petite *Animal Figure*, crafted around 1850–1640 B.C. during Egypt's Middle Kingdom (late Dynasty 12 to early Dynasty 13), captures the ingenuity of ancient artisans working with humble yet transformative materials: a mud core coated in vibrant faience. Measuring just 4.6 cm high, this tiny sculpture from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Egyptian Art collection exemplifies the era's fascination with animals, which often symbolized protection, fertility, or divine in daily life and ritual. Faience, a glazed composite of quartz, lime, and clay fired to a brilliant turquoise hue reminiscent o...