Egyptian art - statue of a revered blind harpist. Domestic sculpture of Ancient Egypt

EGYPTIAN HARPIST STATUE

Dimensions

Height 8.5 cm / 3 - 1/2 inches

Length 6 cm / 2 - 1/2 inches

Width 4 cm / 1 - 1/2 inches

* combined postage offered



This charming little statue displays the typical pose of an Egyptian harpist at work with his instrument and it is a replica of an actual piece. Most likely included in tomb equipment to take music in the next world of the tomb owner however it could have been a practice piece for personal display at home.

The figure sits on a low stool clutching the proportionately large harp. The harp itself appears to have been damaged in antiquity with a small portion missing at the top of the instrument that doesn't detract too much from the visual appeal of this collector piece.

Made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone it has an aged patina & is mounted on a felt based stand.

The statue was probably made by an artist in his spare time and It could be a portrait of one of the talented blind harpists that graced the temples and harems with their music. The deeply sunken eyes suggest that he is indeed blind.

The blind harpists are a well documented feature of ancient Egyptian culture and hint at the strong fabric of the Egyptian society. The inclusion of the visually impaired into useful positions, a mark of sophistication and care.

For a more deeper dive into this niche subject, consider checking out the video of the Egyptian harpists on my Down under Pharaoh Youtube Chanel. This featurette also highlights this statue and one of my early 1990's blind harpist reliefs that may very well make it to the store for the first time since last century. What do you think?