This image represents Nefertiti (born ca. 1380 BCE, ruled ca. 1336-1332 BCE), main wife of the Pharaoh Akhenaten, who reigned during the Amarna Period. Upon Akhenaten’s passing, Nefertiti took position as sole ruler until her death four years later.
This votive figure exemplifies several stylistic changes that took place during the Amarna period.
Here Nefertiti is portrayed with a cobra ornament on her head, a symbol of rulership indicating that she is queen.
Notice Nefertiti’s protruding belly. In Egypt, large stomachs were a sign of wealth and status but were usually only depicted on males. Showing Nefertiti with a large stomach gives the queen a much higher status, almost equal to that of Pharaoh.
Nefertiti also is shown with an elongated skull and exaggerated hips. These features link her to her husband, the pharaoh. Akhenaten was always depicted with irregular and exaggerated features, and showing Nefertiti in the same way would have reinforced their union and further legitimized their rule. Her wide hips also indicate fertility, a very important concept to the Egyptians.
Akhenaten (born ca. 1390 BCE, ruled 1352-1336 BCE) is best known for ordering major changes to Egyptian secular and religious life. He abandoned the previous worship of many gods in favor of the sole worship of the sun-disk Aten. He also moved the capital city from Thebes to his newly constructed city of Akhetaten. This new, forced culture did not go over well with the people of Egypt, and Akhenaten was probably poisoned for political reasons in 1336 BCE. After his death the old religion and art were reinstituted by Tutankhamun, Akhenaten’s nephew.
The Amarna Period (1352-1332 BCE) is the name given to the years when Akhenatan and Nefertiti were rulers of Egypt. It was given this name from the modern locale of Tell el-Amarna, site of the capital of Egypt during this time.
Learn More: Nefertiti (1948.01.0011)
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