Fragmentary female

This limestone fragment from a statue of a woman was found in the remnants of the Temple of Mentuhotep II, at Deir el-Bahari. At 26.50cm tall, unfortunately, her lower body and right arm are missing. She was discovered among other statues, known as “votive statues”, during an excavation of the Temple of Menuthotep II.

It is thought the piece dates from the 18th Dynasty or 19th Dynasty, making it a New Kingdom piece. The pleated linen and style of portraiture does seem to match this proposed dating.

The woman wears a lotus adorned wig upon her head, parted in the centre, as the plaited hair cascades over her shoulders. Her wrap around linen dress is tucked by her bosom and a usekh collar adorns her neck.

It was suggested by early scholars that this statute was likely a votive statue of a priestess. This was due to being discovered among other votive statues, but also due to an ostrich feathered fan depicted upon her side.

The British Museum curator writes, “The figure has been identified in early sources as a priestess votive figure, partly based on the addition of the ostrich-feather fan depicted at the side of the figure (Naville 1913). The figure was found during the excavations of the mortuary temple of Mentuhotep II alongside a number of other votive monuments also dating to the 18th and 19th Dynasties (PM II).”

Summary:
Fragment of a limestone statue of a woman, likely a votive statue of a priestess
New Kingdom, 18th-19th Dynasty, c. 1550-1190 B.C.
Discovered during excavations among the remnants of the Temple of Mentuhotep II, Deir el Bahari.
British Museum. EA41644