Advanced Search 
Ivory inlay of a vulture
Nubian
Classic Kerma
about 1700–1550 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Kerma, K439
Medium/Technique
Ivory
Dimensions
Height x width x depth: 14.5 x 6 x 0.3 cm (5 11/16 x 2 3/8 x 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number20.1527
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsFurniture
DescriptionThis is an ivory inlay piece carved in the shape of a vulture with outstretched wings. Such inlays were often used for wooden fixtures such as funerary beds. Incised lines indicate feather patterns (long lines on lower wing edges and short, notched lines along the upper edge), legs, talon, and body outlines. The inlay piece is in fragmentary condition, but is nearly complete. The head has broken away and is missing, as is a portion of one leg.
ProvenanceFrom Kerma, tomb K439. January 1914: excavated by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of Sudan.
(Accession Date: March 1, 1920)
(Accession Date: March 1, 1920)