NEW KINGDOM, 18TH DYNASTY, CIRCA 1550-1292 B.C.

The gazelle was a popular choice of animal in New Kingdom art, from pottery vessels, see R. E. Freed (ed.), Pharaohs of the Sun, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, 1999, p. 236, to cosmetic implements and decorative wall reliefs. According to Lacovara (p. 236 in Freed, op. cit.) the young gazelle and the ankh "were associated with rebirth and rejuvenation, a theme that continued to be popular during the Amarna period.", an association that stems from the female gazelles survival skills for herself and her young in the Egyptian desert. The gazelle is also connected with Hathor in one of her roles as goddess of love, sexuality and maternal care.

For a similarly size bronze protome of a Dorcas gazelle see. P. Germond, An Egyptian Bestiary, London, 2001, p. 24, no. 20, from the George Ortiz collection. The diminutive size of this head may suggest that it was once an appliqué for a large vessel or furniture attachment.