University Collections

Description:Figure of a Ba-bird, in painted wood.

Description:Figure of Bast, cat head, carrying sistrum, basket, and aegis.

Description:Figure of Bes in brown glazed ware.

Description:Ibeji, female statuette, standing. If a twin dies the death is marked by the commissioning of a carved wooden figurine from a sculptor. Known as an 'ibeji', the figurine is of the same sex as the dead twin and is treated by the mother with all the love and respect that the twin would have received if alive, including being fed, washed and adorned. This ibeji is the larger of two collected from Nigeria, early 20th century. Detail of feet, hair, genitals, hair in topknot. On a small stand. The photograph shows a male and a female ibeji. They were collected together from Nigeria in the early 20th century. They are probably not a pair, but they illustrate the similarity of form although they have been carefully sculpted as portraits of either sex, with the hair, face, genitals clearly depicted. The female is taller than the male. The ibeji are the most common carved religious images found in northern Nigeria, and represent the twin-spirits known as 'orisha', although not in the same sense as the other named ones. [show more]

Description:Ornately carved wooden figure from Bali with opening by right hand to hold a kris (sword). Thomson's MS Catalogue: 'Idol from Island of Bali. Such a figure is placed by the bed side of each Rajah at night and he places his kris in the oval hole formed by the right hand of the figure. Represents Kishnu? Mr Arthur Fraser.' Arthur Fraser was Thomson's brother-in-law and a merchant in Java. [show more]

Description:Figure of a jackal, in wood, originally painted black. Had been placed on coffin in tomb. Thebes.

Description:Figure of a ram in brown glazed ware, ring for suspension. Reid (1912): 'The ram was sacred to Khnemu, god of Elephantine, and to Amen, god of Thebes. It was also worshipped at Mendes.'

Description:Wooden figure painted red, black and green. Male, wearing handkerchief around head, green cloak/blanket over one shoulder and right hand resting on a walking stick. The style of dress and face-paint is typical and is good evidence for the appearance of mid-19th century Haida.  [show more]

Description:Figure of Thoth

Description:Fragment of statuette.