Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art: Figure of Monkey Seated on Ovoid Base

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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, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Galleries, 3rd Floor
• Accession Number: 48.181
• Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
• Image: Front, 48.181_front_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph Figure of Monkey Seated on Ovoid Base, ca. 1352-1336 B.C.E. Faience, glazed, 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). Brooklyn Museum, 48.181 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 48.181_front_SL1.jpg)