Magical Figure
Unknown Artist
ca. 1802–1550 B.C.
Medium
Clay (unfired)
Dimensions
h. 7 cm (2 3/4 in); w. 3.5 cm (1 3/8 in)
Classification
figure, magical, execration, tablet
Period
Late Middle Kingdom–Second Intermediate Period
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1933
Accession Number
33.1.111
Tags
Art Historical Context
This petite *Magical Figure*, crafted unfired clay around 1802–1550 B.C., hails from Egypt's Late Middle to Second Intermediate Period (Dynasty 13– Intermediate Period). Standing just 7 cm tall and 3.5 cm wide, this enigmatic artifact entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art Egyptian Art collection via the Rogers Fund in 3. During this era of political fragmentation and shifting powers—including the eventual Hyksos incursions—such small figures emerged as potent symbols of protection and ritual power, reflecting everyday Egyptians' reliance on magic amid uncertainty. Hand-modeled from soft, unf...