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Uraeus statuette from a frieze
Egyptian
Roman Period
1st century
Medium/Technique
Wood, plaster, paint
Dimensions
Height x width: 19 x 5 cm (7 1/2 x 1 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.4214
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTomb equipment – Coffins and sarcophagi
DescriptionOne of a group of eighteen similar uraeus statuettes probably originally used as a frieze surmounting a shrne-shaped outer mummy case. Carved from a single piece of wood, then plastered and painted. All traces of color almost totally worn away, but comparison to others from the group suggests yellow painted sun disk atop the cobra's head, which was painted blue and yellow. Large, bulging eyes with red pupils and dark blue sockets. Traces of dull green paint as well. Deep incision carved from eye sockets back over to the upper hood. The body, originally painted red, blue and yellow, is rigidly straight, rather than reared back. Sun disk intact; cracks in body; hole in face.
ProvenanceBy 1836: Robert Hay Collection, Linplum, Scotland; 1863: to his son, Robert James Alexander Hay; 1868-1872: Way Collection, Boston (purchased by Samuel A. Way through London dealers Rollin and Feuardent, 27 Haymarket); 1872: given to the MFA by Samuel's son, C. Granville Way.
(Accession date: June 28, 1872)
(Accession date: June 28, 1872)