The metal sheet figurines from Byblos: evidence of an Egyptian import and adaptation

Recent analysis of metal sheet figurines from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Byblos reveals they may have originated as Egyptian imports, subsequently adapted locally. These tiny, thin copper alloy, silver, or gold figurines—depicting primarily male human figures in a standing position—were discovered across multiple deposits on the acropolis, dating from 2100 to 1650 BC. The study identifies a foundation deposit at Deir el-Bahri, part of Montuhotep II's mortuary complex (c. 2020 BC), containing similar Egyptian-manufactured figurines, providing strong evidence for their foreign origin before local reinterpretation. This challenges the long-held assumption that such figurines were exclusively a Gublite product, offering new insights into cross-cultural exchange and artistic development in the region during this period.

Miniaci, G., & Saler, C. (2021). The metal sheet figurines from Byblos: evidence of an Egyptian import and adaptation. Ägypten Und Levante, 31, 339–356. https://doi.org/10.1553/aeundl31s339