Ancient Egyptian Wood Figure of a Funerary Model - 122 mm
01
day
05
hours
31
minutes
59
seconds
Current bid
€ 360
Reserve price met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 700 - € 850
 | €360 | |
|---|---|---|
| €340 | |
| €320 | |
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 145304 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
An Ancient Egyptian carved wooden figure from a funerary model, dating probably to the 11th–12th Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom (c. 2030–1800 BC), with traces of polychromy and a height of 122 mm.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
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.
Seller's Story
We are a gallery specialising in ancient art and archaeology, founded on a deep passion for history and the civilisations of the past.
Our work focuses on the research and careful selection of material evidence from the great civilisations of antiquity, with a particular interest in the Classical world, Etruscan, Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures, and the Ancient Near East.
Our philosophy is rooted in the pursuit of objects that stand out not merely for their age, but also for their rarity, distinctive forms, historical significance and artistic merit. We favour unusual and carefully selected antiquities, often offering fascinating insights into lesser-known aspects of ancient civilisations.
Each object is thoughtfully selected and studied for its historical, stylistic and archaeological characteristics, with the aim of offering collectors authentic pieces of particular interest.
We believe that every antiquity holds a story, and that our role is to preserve, appreciate and pass on these remarkable testimonies of the past to a new generation of collectors.
Expertise, research, discerning selection and a passion for the ancient world are the principles that guide our work.
Every object has a story to tell.
Translated by Google TranslateAncient 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.
Seller's Story
We are a gallery specialising in ancient art and archaeology, founded on a deep passion for history and the civilisations of the past.
Our work focuses on the research and careful selection of material evidence from the great civilisations of antiquity, with a particular interest in the Classical world, Etruscan, Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures, and the Ancient Near East.
Our philosophy is rooted in the pursuit of objects that stand out not merely for their age, but also for their rarity, distinctive forms, historical significance and artistic merit. We favour unusual and carefully selected antiquities, often offering fascinating insights into lesser-known aspects of ancient civilisations.
Each object is thoughtfully selected and studied for its historical, stylistic and archaeological characteristics, with the aim of offering collectors authentic pieces of particular interest.
We believe that every antiquity holds a story, and that our role is to preserve, appreciate and pass on these remarkable testimonies of the past to a new generation of collectors.
Expertise, research, discerning selection and a passion for the ancient world are the principles that guide our work.
Every object has a story to tell.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ancient Egyptian
Century/timeframe
Middle Kingdom, probably 11th–12th Dynasty, ca. 2030–1800 BC.
Name of object
Figure of a Funerary Model
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Wood
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Height
122 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1930
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
