Statue of a Woman of Nubian Descent

The sculpture depicts a young woman of Nubian descent, adorned with a brightly patterned skirt, a necklace, anklets, and a headband. She is believed to represent an attendant of one of the Hathor priestesses or royal wives at the court of Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II.

Similar figures were found in the same tomb, suggesting that they may have originally been part of a group symbolically clapping their hands at a festival or the funeral of a higher-status woman.

The figure is crafted from wood and painted, measuring approximately 18 cm in height, 4.5 cm in width.

During The Middle Kingdom period, Egypt had a complex relationship with Nubia, a region to the south of Egypt that was known for its rich resources and influence on Egyptian culture.

The Nubian descent of the woman is notable. Nubians were often depicted in Egyptian art, but these representations could carry different meanings, reflecting both the cultural exchange and sometimes the subjugation of Nubian people.

This figure was likely part of a larger group of similar figures found in the tomb. These were probably intended to represent attendants or mourners, and it is believed that they may have been involved in symbolic actions like clapping their hands during a funeral or a festival.

The clapping action is often associated with rituals performed for the deceased, particularly in the context of ensuring their peaceful journey to the afterlife.

The presence of figures like this in a royal tomb speaks to the status of Nubians in the Egyptian world during the Middle Kingdom.

Nubians were often depicted in Egyptian art, and in many cases, they were portrayed in royal contexts as attendants, warriors, or even as tribute bearers. Their presence in the tomb of a high-status Egyptian suggests that Nubians held a certain position of importance, perhaps as servants, but also as individuals with their own cultural and social value.

The Middle Kingdom period was one where Egypt had increasing trade, military interaction, and diplomatic relations with Nubia. This is reflected in the material culture, art, and sometimes even the clothing styles in such depictions.

Tombs during this period were richly furnished, often containing numerous objects meant to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. The presence of figurines such as this one could serve as symbolic attendants, meant to assist the deceased in their journey after death. These figures would have been placed in the tomb to act as surrogates for real people, ensuring the necessary services in the afterlife.

This artifact was excavated from Tomb MMA 511 in Deir el-Bahari, Thebes, Upper Egypt, during the Metropolitan Museum’s excavations between 1921 and 1923.

Middle Kingdom, 11th Dynasty, ca. 2030-1981 BC. Now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 26.3.231