Egyptian Female Fertility Figurine Plaque

Egyptian Female Fertility Figurine Plaque

Late Period-Ptolemaic Period, 664-31 B.C. Carved rectangular plaque with central recess, carved image of a nude female modelled in the half-round with a deeply striated bag wig, arms by her side; traces of red and black pigment on the body; mounted on a custom-made stand. 502 grams total, 17.1 cm including stand (6 3/4 in.).

From a central London collection, formed 1980-2000. From the private collection of Mr David Barker, London, UK; thence by descent.

The rectangular limestone plaque almost certainly represents a shrine. Such plaques first appeared in Lower Egypt and became widespread in the Late Period and Ptolemaic era. They may have developed from earlier female figurines depicted on beds and are usually associated with the female goddesses Isis and Hathor, both powerful protectors of women and childbirth and associated with fertility.