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Short, curly hair, dark skin, an earring, and Nubian dress are features of the Nubian captive shown on these colorful tiles from the temple of Ramesses III at Medinet Habu in Egypt. The prisoner’s arms are bound at his sides.

For the ancient Egyptians, bound figures had a magical purpose, ensuring Egypt's continued domination of the represented group. Nubians were represented alongside other captives with each group distinguished by Egyptian versions of their national dress, distinctive hairstyle, and facial features.

Canaanite Woman

Name: Tile Depicting a Nubian Prisoner

Material: Faience

Size:
Width: 8 cm (3 in)

Date: 1184–1153 BCE, New Kingdom, Dynasty 20, Reign of Ramesses III

Place of Origin: Medinet Habu, Egypt

Location: Oriental Institute Museum, Chicago, Illinois

ource and Registration#: Oriental Institute Museum 16740 & 16741

Geoff Emberling

Former Chief Curator, Oriental Institute Museum of the University of Chicago