Ancient Egypt, female funerary figurine, probably Middle Kingdom (12th or 11th Dynasty, c. 2000-1600 BC) or Late Period. Egyptian figurine of a maid or gift-bearer, shown standing in a carrying position, left leg extended. Body painted dark brown and short white loincloth, wearing a traditional usekh necklace and a black wig in a skullcap, typical of the Middle Kingdom style. Carved from wood (cedar?). Height: 25 cm, weight: 101 g, in fair condition with significant paint losses, holes drilled in the feet for mounting, but intact and solid. Wooden funerary models were an Egyptian funerary custom throughout the Middle Kingdom, where wooden figurines and sets were made to be placed in the tombs of wealthy people. These wooden models represented the work of servants, farmers, other skilled craftsmen and soldiers, which was also necessary in the afterlife. Provenance: Purchased from an antique dealer in Bern and kept in a private collection in Geneva for three generations.