Ancient Egyptian Wood Figure of a Funerary Model - 122 mm

Ancient Egypt – Middle Kingdom – Polychrome Wooden Figure from a Funerary Model – ca. 2030–1800 BC

Rare carved and originally painted wooden seated male figure belonging to the tradition of Ancient Egyptian funerary models.

Ancient Egypt, Middle Kingdom, probably 11th–12th Dynasty, ca. 2030–1800 BC.

The figure depicts a seated male character with a compact and strongly stylised posture. The facial features remain clearly recognisable, including the prominent nose, mouth and chin. The head is framed by a characteristic short, voluminous wig.

Of particular interest is the survival of traces of the original polychromy. Considerable remains of dark/black pigment are still visible on the wig, while further reddish-brown traces can be observed around the face and neck.
The construction of the figure is characteristic of Egyptian wooden funerary models. Circular holes on both sides of the upper torso originally served to attach separately carved arms, now missing, probably by means of small wooden pegs.

This construction technique is well documented among Middle Kingdom funerary models. Comparable figures belonging to boat crews show separately carved arms attached at the shoulders, together with painted wigs and bodies.

The figure most probably originally belonged to a funerary model, likely representing a member of a boat crew or a related working scene. Wooden models depicting boats, workshops and activities connected with daily life formed an important element of Middle Kingdom funerary equipment, symbolically providing the deceased with transport, provisions and services in the afterlife.

A further attachment hole is present on the underside, probably associated with the original mounting of the figure within the model.

Condition
Ancient fragment preserved in its present condition.
The separately made arms are missing. Surface erosion, abrasions, small losses and natural deterioration of the wood are present, consistent with the considerable age of the object.

Importantly, traces of the original polychromy survive, particularly the black pigment of the wig and smaller reddish-brown areas around the head and neck.
Some dark markings are visible on the rear of the figure. These have previously been described as possible traces of hieroglyphic writing; however, no definitive epigraphic interpretation is proposed here.

Please examine the high-resolution photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and condition report.

Culture: Ancient Egypt
Period: Middle Kingdom
Probable date: ca. 2030–1800 BC
Material: Carved wood with surviving traces of polychromy
Height: 122 mm
Weight: 35.51 g

Provenance
Former French private collection, assembled between the 1930s and the 1960s.

Subsequently sold at public auction in France.
Legally acquired on the European art market.
Documentation relating to the provenance and acquisition accompanies the object.