Fragment with the head of a man

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1981–1650 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 109
The head of a man facing left is depicted in raised relief. The large scale of the figure suggests that this image is not part of a hieroglyph and that the head belongs to a figurative scene. His simple short wig indicates that he is non-royal. The figure might represent an offering bearer or priest, who often wear this hairstyle, or he could be a high official, who can also at times wear this type of wig.

The piece is made out of Egyptian faience, a non-clay ceramic material, and is a fragment of a larger, unidentified object about two centimeters in thickness. The figure is shown in bright blue on a darker blue background. Small, flat areas of the original glazed surface are preserved on the top and back of the piece. In addition, there is a very small bit of blue glaze on the right side, indicating that this is part of the right edge of the original piece. The space available above the figure is narrow and probably too small for an inscription, so it is most likely that the space at the very top of the piece was empty.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Fragment with the head of a man
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12–13
  • Date: ca. 1981–1650 B.C.
  • Geography: Country of Origin Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, MMA excavations, 1906–11
  • Medium: Faience
  • Dimensions: H. 4.1 × W. 3.7 × D. 2.2 cm (1 5/8 × 1 7/16 × 7/8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Funds from various donors, 2018
  • Object Number: 2018.133
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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