Egyptian clay model of cattle
From el-Amra, Egypt, Predynastic, Naqada I
period, around 3500 BC
This model of four cattle standing in a row
is one of several found in graves at el-Amra.
The clay from which it is made was fired to
only a low temperature and remains dull grey in colour. Modelling
the animals was simplified by reducing the legs to single supports
at front and back, with no attempt to distinguish right and left
legs.
The black and white markings are typical of
cattle throughout the historic period, and can be seen on similar
models of the Middle Kingdom (about 2040-1750 BC). Comparable
markings can be seen on cattle in agricultural scenes in the tomb
decoration of the New Kingdom (about 1550-1070 BC), over 2000 years
later. These cattle differ from their later descendants in having
horns which turn downward and inward, rather than upward and
outward.
This model, like those of the Middle Kingdom,
was placed in a tomb, probably with the intention that food would
be provided to the deceased for eternity in the Afterlife. Unlike
later models, it is made of pottery rather than wood, as it was
probably more readily available and perhaps easier to use.
Traces of linen on the surface of the object
may indicate that it was placed in the grave under a cloth cover,
or perhaps completely wrapped.
Models of houses were also included in
burials, perhaps to give shelter to the spirit of the deceased.
This tradition also continued into the historic period, when they
were also used to house model offerings.
Conserving the painted model of cattle
Ancient Egypt
