Lot 7
Egypt, Coptic culture, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. A delightful female idol carved from a hollowed-out bone. The face is dominated by huge, round eyes and a small nose and mouth. Incised lines form bands around the head, neck, and waist; a crossed pattern covers the torso. The artist has also carved a belly button and female genitalia into the figure. A perforation has been drilled through each side as if the figure at one time had arms or was made to be suspended. Pastel pink pigment, probably made from mollusc shells, has been rubbed into the incised grooves. Comes with custom stand. Size: 1.35" W x 5.3" H (3.4 cm x 13.5 cm); height on stand: 6.5" (16.5 cm)
From the truly abstract Kilia-type figures that are barely recognizable as human to the exaggerated feminine shapes of so-called "Venus" figures, people in the past, as today, had a clear desire to portray human forms and did not feel constrained by naturalism. There are some repeated motifs: for example, the wide eyes on this figure are an often-repeated characteristic that researchers believe indicates attentiveness to the gods. Miniature figures like these seem to be portraying worshippers rather than gods. This figure was probably carved by an individual to be kept on a home altar.
Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago
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#121521
- Condition: The top has small losses; the back is cracked but is stable and unrepaired. Bottom of both legs have been repaired. Much pigment remaining.
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