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Head of a Nubian
This sculpted head of a Nubian captive depicted Nubia in the state art of New Kingdom Egypt. The Nubian head was originally placed under Pharaoh's "window of appearances" in the memorial temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu.
Deep wrinkles on the forehead may represent ritual scarification, which is still practiced among some groups living along the Nile. The sculpture was one of many stereotyped images the Egyptians used to depict groups foreign to them. Besides Nubians, these included Libyans, Syrians, Semites, and other western Asiatics.
Name: Head of a Nubian
Material: Sandstone
Size:
Height: 30 cm (1 ft)
Date: 1182-1134 BCE, New Kingdom, Dynasty 20, Reign of Ramesses III
Place of Origin: Medinet Habu, Egypt
Location: Oriental Institute Museum, Chicago, Illinois
Source and Registration#: Oriental Institute Museum 14648
Geoff Emberling
Former Chief Curator, Oriental Institute Museum of the University of Chicago
