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Ivory statuette of a king in jubilee robe

-3000/-3000

British Museum

British Museum
London, United Kingdom

This figurine is one of the earliest surviving portraits 'in the round' of an Egyptian king. It cannot be associated with any particular ruler, although there are tombs of a number of kings of the period not far from the Temple of Osiris at Abydos.The robe, decorated with a fine pattern of diamond shapes enclosed by double lines, is of the distinctive type worn by kings when celebrating the sed or jubilee festival. The figurine may be evidence that this festival was celebrated right at the beginning of the historical period in Egypt.

Details

  • Title: Ivory statuette of a king in jubilee robe
  • Date Created: -3000/-3000
  • Physical Dimensions: Height: 8.80cm (max)
  • External Link: British Museum collection online
  • Technique: carved; incised
  • Registration number: 1903,1010.1
  • Place: Excavated/Findspot Temple of Osiris
  • Period/culture: 1st Dynasty; 2nd Dynasty
  • Material: ivory
  • Copyright: Photo: © Trustees of the British Museum
  • Acquisition: Donated by Egypt Exploration Fund

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