Predynastic figure of a woman

This figure of a woman in a shawl is dated between 3100 -2700 B.C. She stands 13.5cm high, and is a finely carved from a piece of Hippopotamus ivory. Hippopotamus ivory is harder than elephant ivory and is much more difficult to carve.

The woman depicted, with hair parted in the middle, stares forth with large lined eyes, one arm and hand resting alongside her body, with the other resting below her bust, wrapping herself with a shawl. The arm revealed shows a short-sleeved dress, possibly pleated or patterned, it is unsure what the artist was depicting exactly, however, such a piece showcases evidence that the Pre-Dynastic Period and Early Period of Ancient Egyptian history seemingly had elaborate fashions with delicate details.

“Predynastic Egypt” is traditionally defined as the period from the final part of the Neolithic period beginning c. 6000 BC to the end of the Naqada III period c. 3000 B.C.

Therefore, this figurine of a woman which dates from somewhere between 3100 -2700 B.C., places her from somewhere in-between the Pre-Dynastic (Naqada III specifically) and Early Period (1st Dynasty-2nd Dynasty) of Egyptian history.

This figurine of a woman can be seen on display at the Musée du Louvre, Paris, France. Location: Sully, [AE] Salle 634 – L’époque thinite, Vitrine 4