Estate Figure
Unknown Artist
ca. 1981–1975 B.C.
Medium
Wood, gesso, paint
Dimensions
H. 112 cm (44 1/8 in.); W. 17 cm (6 11/16 in.); D. 46.7 cm (18 3/8 in.)
Classification
Statue, standing woman, offering
Period
Middle Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund and Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1920
Accession Number
20.3.7
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into ancient Egypt's Middle Kingdom with this captivating *Estate Figure*, a wooden dating to ca. 1981–1975 B.C. from Dynasty 12. Likely part of the renowned Meketre models discovered in the tomb of Meketre, a high-ranking official at Thebes, it portrays a striding female servant—possibly bearing ducks as offerings from the estate. These tomb figurines vividly recreated daily life, ensuring the deceased's eternal sustenance through symbolic provisions like fowl, grain, and livestock. Crafted from wood, coated in gesso for a smooth surface, and vividly painted, the figure stands an impres...