Male figurine Egyptian Pre-Dynastic, Naqada II 3650–3300 B.C.E., from Abydos Terracotta, Height: 18 cm (7 1/16 in.) Emily Esther Sears Fund 1904, MFA #04.1802 Provenance: 1904, purchased at Qena from Ghirghis by Albert M. Lythgoe for 4 pounds (with 04.1803 and 04.18040; said to come from Basileia. (Sorry, I didn't photograph the info on the smaller figure to the left.) Photo ©Joan Ann Lansberry, 2014

"Figurines like this one, featuring stylized, abstract features, beaklike faces, long necks, upraised arms, and abbreviated legs, were probably made specifically to be put into graves. We're not sure of their exact purpose, but figures in similar poses also appear in tomb paintings and on decorated pottery. Female figurines are far more common than males, making this example particularly interesting. The lower part of the body is painted white to represent a kilt, while the skin in red, and the schematic facial features are outlined in black." (From the info card) The Brooklyn museum has a similar female figurine which I photographed:

Female Figure Painted terracotta, 11 1/2 x 5 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. (29.2 x 14 x 5.7 cm) Predynastic Period, Naqada IIa Period, ca. 3500-3400 B.C.E. Probably from Ma'mariya Brooklyn #07.447.505 , Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund Photo © Joan Ann Lansberry, May 2008