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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1992.256.65
Title
Small Female Figure
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture, statuette
Date
14th-13th century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia, Anatolia
Period
Hittite Empire period
Culture
Syro-Hittite
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/304205

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Copper
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
3.2 x 1.4 cm (1 1/4 x 9/16 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Copper:
Cu, 98.24; Sn, 0.5; Pb, 0.08; Zn, 0.002; Fe, 0.12; Ni, 0.08; Ag, 0.02; Sb, 0.04; As, 0.9; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, 0.008; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The statuette is a solid cast. It was possibly cast upside down in a two-part mold. On the bottom is a roughly rectangular raised area. The figure is apparently intact, although the surface looks very worn. The patina is a dull grayish black, with areas of green corrosion and tan burial deposits.


Carol Snow (submitted 2002)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Louise M. and George E. Bates, Camden, ME (by 1971-1992), gift; to the Harvard University Art Museums, 1992.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Louise M. and George E. Bates
Accession Year
1992
Object Number
1992.256.65
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
The body is a solid cone with a slightly rounded bottom from which two small stubby arms project horizontally. The face has depressions for eyes, a small nose, and a recessed chin. A low cylindrical feature atop the head may be a coiffure or headdress.
This miniature statuette was probably a votive offering. The horizontally projecting arms are reminiscent of the gestures made by some statuettes of deities.

David G. Mitten

Subjects and Contexts

  • Ancient Bronzes

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu