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Fragment of an Inlay Headdress — Anonymous, Dynasty 18

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Written by: Hannah ClarkeContributing Writer · Furniture & Decorative Arts
Antiquities · Catalogue no. 4869
Anonymous, Dynasty 18

Fragment of an Inlay Headdress

StatusReference work · Not for sale
Held byCleveland Museum of Art
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This fragment is part of the curled headdress of an inlay figure, probably of a queen, assembled of various materials fit together like the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. The front part of the headdress (directly over the forehead) is to the left, followed by the ear tab and part of the cutout above the ear. The luster of the faience is marvelously preserved. Blue, primarily associated with lapis lazuli, was an appropriate color for kings' and gods' hair and was part of the apparatus signaling them as otherworldly beings.

Artist / MakerAnonymous, Dynasty 18
Datec. 1353–1295 BCE
Culture / OriginEgypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18
Mediumlavender blue faience with deep blue overglaze
DimensionsOverall: 6.7 x 7.7 x 2.8 cm (2 5/8 x 3 1/16 x 1 1/8 in.)
DepartmentEgyptian and Ancient Near Eastern Art
TypeCeramic
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Provenance & Source

Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.

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