An Egyptian fragmentary basalt figure of a woman
Middle Kingdom, 12th-13th Dynasty, circa 1976-1648 B.C.
Wearing a close-fitting sheath dress and a Hathor wig, parted at the back to reveal braided locks, depicted with typical large ears and full lips, with pronounced rimmed eyes, her arms held to her sides, the back pillar uninscribed, 6.3cm high注脚Provenance:
Major James Findlay (1915-1990) collection, Aberdeen, acquired in the 1950s-1960s; and thence by descent.
Sold to benefit Archway, a respite care and housing charity in Aberdeen, charity no. SCO14665.

During the Middle Kingdom the Hathor wig was generally worn by women, as it was only later that the wig became solely associated with queens and goddesses. A Hathor wig similarly divided at the back to reveal braided locks can be seen on a 12th Dynasty wood figure of the lady Kemtet; see W. Hayes, The Sceptre of Egypt, New York, 1953, p. 216, fig. 133. There is a similarly portrayed Middle Kingdom greywacke female figure with Hathor wig at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, acc. no. E.67.1932.