ClassificationsAncient Egyptian Art

Statuette of a Scribe

(not assigned)Egypt

CultureEgyptian

PeriodLate Period, Dynasty 27 - Dynasty 30

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

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