Fertility Statuette of a Woman

Fertility Statuette of a Woman

Scholars once thought that nude female figurines of this type—with incomplete legs, jewelry, often an elaborate hairdo, and sometimes tattoos—served as symbolic concubines for men in the afterlife. We now know, however, that they functioned as fertility figurines for both men and women. Most were dedicated in shrines of Hathor and other goddesses by those hoping to have a child.

• Medium: Limestone, painted
• Place Made: Egypt
• Dates: ca. 1938-1539 B.C.E.
• Dynasty: XII Dynasty-XVII Dynasty
• Period: Middle Kingdom-Second Intermediate Period
• Dimensions: 4 5/8 x 1 7/8 in. (11.8 x 4.7 cm)
•  Brooklyn Museum
  
  brooklynmuseum.org