#middle kingdom

[nobrashfestivity]

Unknown, Animal figurine Middle Kingdom; Dynasty 12–13 ca. 1981–1640 B.C. Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Cemetery, MMA excavations, 1906–07 Clay L. 6 × W. 2.9 × H. 3.2 cm (2 3/8 × 1 1/8 × 1 1/4 in.)

[tridentandtales]

Egyptian claw anklet of Sithathoryunet (daughter of a pharaoh (probably Senusret II))

Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12, ca. 1887 - 1813 BCE

Metropolitan Museum of Art 16.1.7a

[egypt-museum]

A remarkable pair of wooden statuettes depicting a Middle Kingdom king, most likely Senusret I of the 12th Dynasty. Together, they embody the ancient Egyptian concept of dual kingship and the sovereign's rule over the "Two Lands" of Egypt.

The figure on the left wears the White Crown (Hedjet) of Upper Egypt (Egyptian Museum, Cairo, JE 44951), while the figure on the right wears the Red Crown (Deshret) of Lower Egypt (Metropolitan Museum of Art, 14.3.17). Though separated today between two collections, the statues were originally conceived as a pair, symbolising the unity of the Egyptian state under a single ruler.

Carved from wood and discovered at el-Lisht, these rare sculptures date to the Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, ca. 1919–1885 BC.

[tridentandtales]

Egyptian statue of a woman holding a basket and a duck

Middle Kingdom, Dynasty 12, ca. 1981 - 1975 BCE

Metropolitan Museum of Art 20.3.7

[egitto-dei-faraoni]

Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, reign of King Amenemhat III, ca. 1860-1814 BC. From Karnak Cachette. Now in the Luxor Museum, Luxor.

[vintage-treasures]

Pectoral and Necklace of Sithathoryunet (ca. 1887–1878 B.C.) Ancient Egyptian jewelers crafted this cloisonné pectoral using 372 semiprecious stones set in gold. Excavations recovered the piece from the tomb of Princess Sithathoryunet at Lahun. Two falcons representing the sun god flank the kneeling god Heh to symbolize eternal life and power. Loc. The Met, New York. Dim. 4.5 cm H x 8.2 cm W (1 3/4 x 3 1/4 in.).

[egypt-museum]

Middle Kingdom Cat

This is a vessel in the shape of a cat that dates from early in the 12th Dynasty of Egypt’s Middle Kingdom, 1990–1900 B.C. Made from Egyptian alabaster, the cat is sculpted beautifully and inlaid eyes of rock-crystal, lined with copper bring an eerie sense of realism to this piece.

Cats held a significant and revered role in ancient Egyptian society. They were highly regarded and considered sacred animals. They were kept as pets and were also seen as guardians against evil spirits and vermin.

The sculptor demonstrates a keen understanding of the creature’s physical traits, giving the animal the alert, tense look of a hunter rather than the elegant aloofness seen in later representations. The rock-crystal eyes, lined with copper, enhance the impression of readiness.

Cats played a significant role in ancient Egyptian culture, symbolizing protection, fertility, and the divine connection between humans and the gods.

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[velvetmasonry]

Game of Hounds and Jackals, Middle Kingdom, c. 1814-1805 B.C.