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Black-topped red polished jar
Nubian
Classic Kerma
about 1700–1550 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Kerma, Cemetery S, Tumulus K XXXIII-A
Medium/Technique
Pottery
Dimensions
Overall: 13.7 x 9.4 cm (5 3/8 x 3 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number20.3263
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsVessels
DescriptionThis jar, of highly polished black-topped redware, is made of a fabric characteristic of the classic phase of Kerma pottery. The red surface was created by application of ochre prior to firing in an oxidizing atmosphere and polishing with smooth stones/pebbles. The black top was attained by turning the beaker over to place the upper portion in an oxygen-reduced atmosphere of burning organics/ash.
(Accession Date: June 28, 2006)
(Accession Date: June 28, 2006)
ProvenanceFrom Kerma, Cemetery S, Tumulus K XXXIII-A. 1914: excavated by the Harvard University–Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of the Sudan.
(Accession date: June 28, 2006)
(Accession date: June 28, 2006)