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Triad of queen and two goddesses
Nubian
Meroitic Period
early 1st century B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Gebel Barkal, Pyramid Bar. 8
Medium/Technique
Sandstone
Dimensions
Height x length x width: 65 x 32 x 61 cm (25 9/16 x 12 5/8 x 24 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number21.11808
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsSculpture
DescriptionSandstone group sculpture of a Meroitic Queen flanked by two protective goddesses, Isis and Nepthys. A never-ending offering of water for the nourishment of the Queen's soul, flows from the vases lying at their knees. The Queen had herself represented according to the Kushite ideal of feminine beauty- short haired, stout, and adorned with jewels. The goddesses were represented in the Egyptian style, with long wigs and slimmer bodies.
Flecks of gold and paint indicate that the statue was originally brightly painted and gilded.
Flecks of gold and paint indicate that the statue was originally brightly painted and gilded.
ProvenanceFrom Nubia (Sudan) Gebel Barkal: pyramid 10. 1916: 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.