Monkey in the Brooklyn Museum, January 2010

Figure of Monkey Seated on Ovoid Base


Throughout Egyptian history, monkeys were enjoyed for their playful, whimsical behavior. This blue faience example holds a ball or piece of fruit; in antiquity, it wore a metal earring, indicating that it represented a household pet. Because they had to be imported over great distances at considerable expense, the possession of monkeys indicated the owner's wealth and social status.

Medium: Faience, glazed

Reportedly From: El Amarna, Egypt

Dates: ca. 1352-1336 B.C.E.

Dynasty: late XVIII Dynasty

Period: New Kingdom

Dimensions: 2 1/8 x 1 1/8 in. (5.4 x 2.8 cm) Base: 1 1/8 x 1 9/16 in. (2.9 x 4 cm)

Collections: Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Museum Location: This item is on view in Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Amarna Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

Accession Number: 48.181

Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Text from: www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/3524/Figure...