Ancient Egyptian plaque from Naukratis dated 699 – 500 BC

Roughly square limestone plaque with a flat back to it. The upper surface is crudely carved in raised relief, with the reclining figure of a nude female. She wears a square cut wig, to the shoulders and has nose and mouth marked. The eyes have probably been erased since, along with the top of the head. Her left arm lies across her body, her right is by her side. The pubic triangle is marked, but the breasts are not. At right angles to her feet is a rectangular object, perhaps the end of a bed.
Above is an open space, which may once have been painted, there are possible faint traces of black and red paint. One corner of the piece has been stamped in modern black ink, with EGYPT 72. There is a piece of modern paper adhering to the of the plaque with 72 written over an earlier number. Probably used as a votive offering to request fertility.

Ancient Egyptian plaque from Naukratis dated 699 – 500 BC

Object details

  • Latitude: 30.901111
  • Longitude: 30.5925