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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
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