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2: An Egyptian Painted Limestone Image of a Concubine

Currency:USD Category:Antiquities Start Price:3,500.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
2: An Egyptian Painted Limestone Image of a Concubine
Egypt, ca. 2000 BC, Middle Kingdom. Ovoid piece of limestone with a straight bottom carved with the figure of a nude young woman reclining on a rectangular couch, arms at her sides and wearing a notched wig. She is detailed with indented eyes and mouth, raised breasts and rounded stomach with indented bellybutton.

Because they depict naked women, such figurines are often referred to as concubines; however, it is now suggested that they had a fertility function.

Reference: For the type see: Vandier 'La Statuaire Egyptienne' (1958) and J.H.Breasted Jnr. 'Egyptian Servant Statues' (Washington 1948)

Dimensions: Height 2-1/2" (6.35 centimeters)Provenance: Ex-Dr Benson Harer private collection, acquired in the 1960's.