Male Figure, Possibly with Dwarfism

Individuals with dwarfism played an interesting role in Egyptian society since Predynastic times. Dwarfism--a genetic condition characterized by unusually short stature and shortened limbs--is frequently represented in Egyptian tomb reliefs and statues. People with dwarfism were believed, because of their unusual appearance, to have supernatural powers and a special relation to the gods. Figurines depicting people with dwarfism were used as amulets and have been found in tombs as well as in ritual places.

This male figure may have been depicted as having characteristics of dwarfism. He has a large forehead, perforations for the eyes, and incised eye brows. The arms and bowed legs are twisted. The stomach is distended and there is a ridge across the buttocks that may have originally connected the figure to a seat.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object. Learn more about provenance at the Walters.

MacGregor Collection [cat. 1922, p. 93, lot 712]; Dikran Kelekian, New York and Paris, 1922, by purchase; Henry Walters, Baltimore, 1923, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.