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Dance for Hathor

Reproduction of a fragment of wall painting from the Tomb of the Dancers, discovered at Dra Abu el Naga, dating to c. 1630–1550 BC (Dynasty 17).

About the Artwork

The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford holds a striking fragment of wall painting from the so-called Tomb of the Dancers, discovered at Dra Abu el Naga, part of the Theban necropolis in Egypt. Dating to Dynasty 17, during the Second Intermediate Period (c. 1630–1550 BC), the scene depicts a group of women mid-dance, arms raised, fingers snapping in rhythm. It likely formed part of a festival or ceremonial performance honouring Hathor, the goddess of music, dance, joy, and fertility.

Art Ref

DP119

Object Record

Object Type

Wall Painting

Materials

Limestone, Pigment, Plaster

Date

c. 1630 - 1540 BC

Period

Dynasty 17, Second Intermediate Period

Findspot

Tomb of the Dancers, Dra Abu el-Naga, Thebes

Dimensions

137.2 x 145 cm in frame

Current Location

Ashmolean Museum

Object Number

AN1958.145

People Depicted

Unknown

Deities Depicted

None

Animals Depicted

None

Themes

Dancing, Celebration

Available to purchase as

DP01C - The Goddess Hathor and Seti Scene 3.jpg

Giclée Prints

DP01C - The Goddess Hathor and Seti Scene 3.jpg

©2025 Natalie Watson, Wonderful Things Art

All images are the copyright of Natalie Watson (Wonderful Things Art)

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