Conorp Egypt

Model of a female servant

Egypt
Model of a female servant
Middle Kingdom
Dynasties mid XI- XII
2055-1773 BC
Wood, gesso, pigment
40.7 X 9.7 X 17.3
Felton Bequest 1939

During their life servants ensured the comfort of the Egyptian elite, performing a variety of domestic functions, and in the afterlife they hoped to be attended in a similar manner. During Dynasty 1 they were buried surrounding those of the king and officials. From the old kingdom onwards the walls of the tomb chapels of such officials were decorated with scenes that ensure their well being for eternity, they are also attending the needs of their employer. They are encountered in the burials of middle and lower ranking officials who could not afford decorated tombs. This includes brewers and bakers, farmers, and individual figures bearing food and drink.

Figure of females bearing offerings, such as the one illustrated, are found regularly. The body, head and basket are carved from a single piece of wood, while the arms were carved separately and attached by dowels; the figure is glued to the base. She wears a white linen with a red sash below the breast and her hair is cut with a fringe and worn to chin-length at the sides but to waist level at the center of the back.Despite the flat facial features, it still posses a certain elegance.