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Nubian Figurine with Tattoos
This simple figurine, buried in a grave in lower Nubia, shows tattoos or scarification on its neck and body. These marks probably distinguished ethnic or tribal groups from one another in antiquity as they do today in this region.
In C-Group times, impressed dots in the form of lozenges occur on figurines in Nubia and on figurines of Nubian dancers in Egypt. The same patterns also appear on the body of an ancient Nubian woman buried at Hierakonpolis in Egypt.
Name: Nubian Figurine with Tattoos
Material: Clay
Size:
Height: 10 cm (4 in)
Date: 1750-1600 BCE, C-group IIb
Place of Origin: tomb 51, Cemetery T, Adindan, Egypt
Location: Oriental Institute Museum, Chicago, Illinois
Source and Registration#: Oriental Institute Museum 23202
Geoff Emberling
Former Chief Curator, Oriental Institute Museum of the University of Chicago
