Servant Grinding Grain
Unknown Artist
ca. 2420–2323 B.C.
Medium
limestone, paint
Dimensions
H. 19.4 cm (7 5/8 in.)
Classification
Statuette, woman grinding
Period
Old Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 1979
Accession Number
1979.403
Tags
About this artwork
This limestone servant statue depicting a woman grinding grain exemplifies the funerary art of Egypt's Old Kingdom, Dynasty 5 (circa 2420-2323 BCE). Excavated from tomb contexts, serving statues ensured that the deceased would enjoy the benefits of essential products and services in the afterlife. The figure shows a woman grinding grain on a quern, wearing a cloth over her wig to keep the flour out of her hair—a realistic detail documenting actual practice. Grain waiting to be ground sits in a h...