Statuette of a Kushite Priest, Adapted for a King
late Dynasty 25, ca. 700–664 B.C
Egyptian
Leaded bronze, precious metal leaf
8 1/4 in
(21 cm)
Purchase, Gift in memory of Manuel Schnitzer and Lila Acheson Wallace Gift, 2010
(2010.259)
This beautiful and vital figure represents a Kushite priest. The rounded head with smooth front and rear profiles, small ears, narrow eyes, and assured smile are characteristic of images of Kushites, as is the full, powerful body. The long cords hanging from the belt are associated with Kushite priestly garments. Not long after the statue's creation, it was altered for use by a king: in addition to changes made to the statue's limbs, the original rectangular panel at the front of the kilt was recut to have the form of a royal triangular apron with streamers on either side. The fact that the image of an individual was modified for a ruler makes it extremely likely the statue originally represented one of the Kushite princes—known to have been placed in high priestly positions—who had either died or been captured by Assyrian invaders in the tumultuous years between 671 and 664 B.C.