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Ivory inlay of a bustard
Nubian
Classic Kerma
1700–1550 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Kerma
Medium/Technique
Ivory
Dimensions
Overall: 8.6 x 6.5 x 0.2 cm (3 3/8 x 2 9/16 x 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number20.1325
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsFurniture
DescriptionIvory. Crested ibis with wings spread.
This ivory inlay, which would originally have adorned a wooden funerary bed, is carved in the shape of a bustard (a large game bird, also sometimes called a crested ibis or shoebill stork) with wings spread. Details have been added by incision and notching, including facial details, crest, wings, and feet. It is largely complete except for a portion of the tail that has split away and is missing.
This ivory inlay, which would originally have adorned a wooden funerary bed, is carved in the shape of a bustard (a large game bird, also sometimes called a crested ibis or shoebill stork) with wings spread. Details have been added by incision and notching, including facial details, crest, wings, and feet. It is largely complete except for a portion of the tail that has split away and is missing.
ProvenanceFrom Kerma, tomb K1096. 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.
Findspot Information: From Kerma K 1096, March 1914.
Findspot Information: From Kerma K 1096, March 1914.