Figure fragment of a face
Medium:Stone
Geography: Excavated at Deir el-Bahri, Egypt
Date: c. 2055-2004 BC
Period: Reign of Mentuhotep II, 11th Dynasty, Middle Kingdom
Dimensions:9.3 × 9.8 × 7.5 cm
Object number: 907.18.21
Gallery Location:Galleries of Africa: Egypt
Description
The skillful and sensitive carving
of this fragmentary face, particularly the gentle smile that plays around the
sensuous lips, suggests that this piece, found in the Eleventh Dynasty Temple
of Nebhepetre Montuhotep at Deir el Bahari, may represent the king
himself. The broad nose, generous mouth
and firm, square chin, evoke an ideal masculinity.
Object History: Excavated by the Egypt Exploration Society, 1905-1907
