Lady of Bactria
Name/Title
Lady of BactriaEntry/Object ID
18NE12228Description
Lady of Bactria. Possibly a deity or a votive figurine. From the Elamite Epoch, in the 2nd millenium BCE.Type of Sculpture
StatuetteArtwork Details
Medium
Serpentine, LimestoneContext
Bactria was located in modern day Afghanistan and was a wealthy state due to their exchange of raw materials with Mesopotamia. This elegant statuette of a women in an elaborate dress was one of some forty such figures found throughout Bactria. The figures are commonly referred to as “Bactrian princesses.” While most “Bactrian princesses” are depicted seated, this one is shown standing and is a slightly larger size than the others. Her dress is quite striking and full, sculpted from serpentine and represents a kaunakes, a Sumerian style of skirt made of tufts of wool, here having the appearance of leaves. It has been speculated that these objects represent a female divinity, although no definitive proof has been found to support this claim.Made/Created
Date made
2500 BCE - 1800 BCETime Period
Bronze AgeEthnography
Culture/Tribe
Near Eastern