Woman tending a fire
From Giza, tomb G 2415, Dyn. 5 reigns of Niuserra to Unis, 2420–2323 B.C.E.
Painted limestone, H x W x D: 23.8 x 12.5 x 32 cm (9 3/8 x 4 15/16 x 12 5/8 in.)
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition 1921, MFA #21.2600
"The vast majority of Egyptian three-dimensional stone sculptures feature subjects in static and formal positions. By contrast, the figure here is engaged in action, and the artist has captured a single moment rather than a timeless eternity. A woman wearing only a skirt sits with one knee on the ground and the other up. True to life, her entire torso shifts slightly to the left as she pokes a fire with a rod in one hand and raises the other to shield herself from the glare. A kerchief protects her hair from sparks.
"Apparently, when the artist carved this statue or shortly thereafter, it broke in half at the base. The ancient repair, a wooden peg connecting the two pieces, has held to this day." (From the museum website)
I imagine that kerchief was wet with water to help keep her cool as well.
Woman grinding grainFrom Giza, tomb G 2415, Dyn. 5 reigns of Niuserra to Unis, 2420–2323 B.C.E. Painted limestone, H x W: 28.2 x 45 cm (11 1/8 x 17 11/16 in.) Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition 1921, MFA #21.2601 |
Photos all © Joan Ann Lansberry
