This is one of a pair (with Walters 57.622) of heavy armlets of solid silver tapering towards the ends which are shaped like nail heads and decorated by incised lines. The inside diameter of the pieces suggests that they were worn on the upper arm. The bracelets, one broken in two, were so heavily covered with corrosion, that they were originally classified as bronze. A similar pair of armlets, made of gold, was excavated in 1922 in the ancient E-nun-mah Temple at Ur under a floor of the Persian period (6th century BC). This hoard contained objects from as far back as the late 3rd millennium BC. Therefore it cannot provide a certain date for the bracelets.For the latest information about this object, armlets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
This small figure displays a standing hippopotamus. Figures such as this may have been votives.For the latest information about this object, figurines, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: PredynasticInscriptions: Reign: Style: Naqada I
This crudely carved figure of a seated monkey, perhaps a baboon has traces of crossed lines on the base, and was probably used as a seal.For the latest information about this object, figurines; seals, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
This carefully carved plump female figure has short limbs, a large head with short curly hair, and large breasts. A deep hole marks the navel. The wide pubic triangle is marked by holes. There is a depression on top of the buttocks. On the head is a large lotus blossom. A ball surrounded by ridges has been inserted into the hollow lotus to form the calyx of the flower.For the latest information about this object, figurines, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
This figure of a hippopotamus has a platform on its back. The hooves are indicated schematically. A ridge suggests the eyes. File marks remain on the surface of the dense ivory. There are some cracks and the snout is partly broken off.
The style of the carving is unusual. The platform here may imitate the hollowed projections for ointments on the backs of other hippopotamuses of the period.For the latest information about this object, figurines, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: PredynasticInscriptions: Reign: Style:
A bearded male figure, possibly depicted with characteristics of dwarfism, is shown on his hands and knees holding a child. The man has a pudgy nose and elongated head covered with short curls.The child's hand is preserved on the left side of the face of the man, but its arms and head are missing. There is an unnatural protrusion from the stomach of the adult figure.
A perforation from the back to the groin suggests that this piece may have been part of a mechanical toy.For the latest information about this object, figurines, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
Individuals with dwarfism played an interesting role in Egyptian society since Predynastic times. Dwarfism--a genetic condition characterized by unusually short stature and shortened limbs--is frequently represented in Egyptian tomb reliefs and statues. People with dwarfism were believed, because of their unusual appearance, to have supernatural powers and a special relation to the gods. Figurines depicting people with dwarfism were used as amulets and have been found in tombs as well as in ritual places.
This female figurine may have been depicted with the characteristics of dwarfism. She has a large forehead, perforations at the eyes to allow for inlay, and incised curved ridges to denote the brow. The upper arms are fat, the chest narrow, the hips wide, and the legs short and twisted. The wide pubic triangle is marked by a pattern of drilled holes. It is likely that this figure was used to secure fertility.For the latest information about this object, figurines, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
The round vase has two horizontal lug handles and a curved bottom.For the latest information about this object, vases, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Predynastic|First DynastyInscriptions: Reign: Style:
Individuals with dwarfism played an interesting role in Egyptian society since Predynastic times. Dwarfism--a genetic condition characterized by unusually short stature and shortened limbs--is frequently represented in Egyptian tomb reliefs and statues. People with dwarfism were believed, because of their unusual appearance, to have supernatural powers and a special relation to the gods. Figurines depicting people with dwarfism were used as amulets and have been found in tombs as well as in ritual places.
This male figure may have been depicted as having characteristics of dwarfism. He has a large forehead, perforations for the eyes, and incised eye brows. The arms and bowed legs are twisted. The stomach is distended and there is a ridge across the buttocks that may have originally connected the figure to a seat.For the latest information about this object, figurines, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: Reign: Style:
This stamp seal is carved in the shape of a reclining bull. The base is engraved with a design of five large felines and other scattered animals.For the latest information about this object, seals (artifacts), visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: [Inscription]Reign: Style:
From a unique group of early documents recording the transfer of land (in this case one "bur'u," which is around 157 acres), this tablet illustrates the transition from a writing system based on pictures to one where signs represent sounds. The vase and foot are easily recognized but represent sounds rather than objects. In the bottom row, the two wavy lines sprouting plants is the sign for garden.For the latest information about this object, tablets, visit art.thewalters.org.Dynasty: Inscriptions: [Inscription] On obverse [For transcription, see https://cdli.ucla.edu/P005987]Reign: Style: