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© Bruce M. White, 2008.
Statuette of a Scribe
© Bruce M. White, 2008.
© Bruce M. White, 2008.
© Bruce M. White, 2008.
ClassificationsAncient Egyptian Art

Statuette of a Scribe

AAT Object Form/Functionstatuettes (free-standing sculpture)
(not assigned)Egypt
CultureEgyptian
Date525-343 BCE
MediumBronze
Credit LineGift in memory of Nicholas B. Millet
Dimensions3 3/8 x 1 3/8 x 1 3/16in. (8.6 x 3.5 x 3 cm)
Object number2008.034.001
Label TextThe ability to read and write was an important skill in ancient Egypt and one that was held in high esteem. In the words of an ancient text, "One values a scribe for his understanding, for understanding transforms a . . . person". This small figure depicts a scribe with his pen case and a rolled-up papyrus under his arm. He is dressed in an elaborate fringed tunic, a style that became popular in Egypt after the Persian conquest in 525 BC. Another innovative feature seen on larger stone sculptures of the period is the elongated cranium, which has earned these images the nickname of "eggheads".
Exhibition HistoryRecent Acquisitions, Michael C. Carlos Museum, March 31 - September 10, 2009
GE Presents: The Mystery of the Albany Mummies, Albany Institute of History and Art, Albany, New York, September 21, 2013 - June 8, 2014
Hall of Ancient Egypt, The Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston, Texas, August 2014 - Present
ProvenanceEx private collection, United States, purchased from Edgar L. Owen, Ltd, New Jersey, September 15, 2006, number 7394.
Status
Not on view
Collections
  • Ancient Egyptian, Nubian, and Near Eastern Art
© Bruce M. White, 2008.
2543-2120 BCE
© Bruce M. White, 2022.
ca. 404-343 BCE
© Bruce M. White, 2006.
380-180 BCE
© Estate of John E. Costigan. Image courtesy of the Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University. ...
John E. Costigan
ca. 1940
© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University. Photo by Peter Harholdt.
1279-1191 BCE
© Bruce M. White, 2004.
13th-14th Century
© Bruce M. White, 2006.
722-332 BCE
© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University
1076-525 BCE