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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1992.256.58
Title
Miniature Standing Female Figure
Other Titles
Alternate Title: Miniature 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/310292

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Leaded bronze
Technique
Cast, lost-wax process
Dimensions
4.1 x 1.8 cm (1 5/8 x 11/16 in.)
Technical Details

Chemical Composition: ICP-MS/AAA data from sample, Leaded Bronze:
Cu, 86.8; Sn, 0.49; Pb, 11.85; Zn, 0.002; Fe, 0.01; Ni, 0.17; Ag, 0.02; Sb, 0.07; As, 0.58; Bi, less than 0.025; Co, 0.014; Au, less than 0.01; Cd, less than 0.001
J. Riederer

Technical Observations: The statuette is a solid cast. The lower portion of the body below the arms appears to have been worked by hot working, cold working, or both to form the tip. Tan burial deposits adhere to the green and black patina, with an area of exposed red cuprite near the tip of the figure.

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
1992.256.58
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
This small figure’s vertical body ends in a rounded tip. Its arms bend forward horizontally from the elbows. There are slight rounded protrusions on both shoulders. An oval head surmounts an elongated neck, flat at the back. It has a pointed, triangular nose, slight depressions for the eyes, and a modeled groove around the chin. A horizontal roll-like element, perhaps indicating part of a coiffure, sits atop the head. There are extremely rudimentary traces of breasts between the arms.
This small figure is a variant of the pointed spike figures of Late Bronze Age Levantine votive statuette. The flat horizontal roll atop the head is very unusual.

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