Apotropaic rod Middle Kingdom.

 Composed of four joining segments, this so-called magic rod is the only completely preserved example of its type. Perhaps related to the four "birthing bricks" arranged for the protection of mother and child during delivery, the rod was used to ward off harmful spirits. Some of the protective motifs—feline predators, crocodiles, toads, a turtle, wedjat eyes, and baboons with flaming torches—were also depicted on apotropaic wands and feeding cups, objects with the same defensive function.

Ointment Jar of Sithathoryunet Middle Kingdom.

 

Used by both men and women, cosmetics were an important part of ancient Egyptian beautification and the hoped-for rejuvenation of the dead. This vessel likely contained a salve or ointment for the skin. Although vessels of this shape were common during the Middle Kingdom, the use of obsidian rimmed with gold identifies them as royal possessions. They were apparently originally housed in a small box.

Paddle Doll ca. 2030–1802 B.C. Middle Kingdom.

Stela of the Overseer of the Troops Intef.

 This imposing stela seems to be the only survivor from a group of nine that stood under a pillared portico in the tomb of Intef on the West Bank of the Nile, opposite modern Luxor. As overseer of the troops under Mentuhotep II, Intef must have been instrumental in the wars that resulted in the unification of the country during this king’s reign. His reward was an opulent tomb. The typical funerary scene depicts Intef seated before an offering table piled with food while receiving the homage of a son or brother. Below are funerary texts. The broad proportions of the well-muscled figure are typical of the middle of the Mentuhotep II era.

Stela of the Chief Treasurer and Royal Chamberlain Tjetji.

 

Middle Kingdom

Dynasty 11

Said to be from Egypt, Theban Region, Thebes

Medium:Limestone

The Trustees of the British Museum, London

Statue of the Steward Meri Seated Middle Kingdom.

 This statue is a three-dimensional example of the style known from reliefs of the early reign of Mentuhotep II, with a short upper body, high waist, long legs, and almond-shaped eyes with flaring cosmetic lines. Based on their similarity to a hieroglyph for “assemble,” the

crossed arms may have a funerary meaning, perhaps expressing the confidence that Meri’s body would be made whole again and thus ready for eternal life. The statue likely originates from a tomb in western Thebes.

Miniature broad collar. Early Ptolemaic Period (332–246 B.C.). From Egypt, Eastern Delta; Probably from Tukh el-Qaramus. Gold, carnelian, turquoise, lapis lazuli, H. 8.6 cm (3 3/8 in.); W. 10.3 cm (4 1/16 in.). The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1949 (49.121.1)

 

In ancient Egypt, silver was used for myriad purposes. It could be transformed into mirrors, necklaces, amulets, or vessels, or even into standing figures or amulets—like the one of Nefertum, a mythological figure associated with the lotus flower.