Breaking the Noses on Egyptian Statues: Ancient Egyptian Iconoclasm

Why are the noses broken on ancient Egyptian statues? This is the most common question received by Edward Bleiberg, Senior Curator of Egyptian Art at the Brooklyn Museum. The answer is found in the purpose that Egyptian sculpture performed in society. Sculpture was religious equipment that provided a body on earth for supernatural entities. This body provided a meeting place between supernatural beings such as gods or deceased human beings and humans on earth. Breaking the nose prevented the god or deceased human from breathing while inside the statue. The questions thus then shifts to who would want to suffocate a god or deceased human. The answers range from ancient criminals to those who wanted to replace ancient polytheism with the new Christian religion in the third century.

Edward Bleiberg, Senior Curator of Egyptian Art at the Brooklyn Museum discussed this and more in a fascinating Zoom presentation to a large group of CHV members.

Roberta Krakoff, event host

Carnegie Hill Village

www.carnegiehillvillage.org