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Inscribed beaker
Nubian
Napatan Period, reign of Aspelta
593–568 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Nuri, Pyramid 8 (tomb of Aspelta), N.W. corner foundation deposit (NW 21)
Medium/Technique
Faience
Dimensions
Height x diameter (rim) x diameter (base): 7.1 x 5.6 x 3.5 cm (2 13/16 x 2 3/16 x 1 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number20.1026
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsArchitectural elements – Foundation deposits
DescriptionThis blue-glazed faience faience votive beaker was found as part of a foundation deposit. It is a flat-based beaker with asymetrical profile (one side somewhat concave and the other straight) and straight rim. The rim has an incised line around it. One side of the exterior is inscribed with two columns of hieroglyphic text, one of which includes a cartouche of Napatan King Aspelta. Some areas of the light blue surface glaze are worn down to the underlying faience paste. The beaker has broken into several pieces but has been mended.
Translation of the text:
Col. 1: "The Good God, Merykare [i.e. Aspelta]"
Col. 2: "Beloved of Ptah, Lord of Ta-Set(i) [i.e. Nubia]"
Translation of the text:
Col. 1: "The Good God, Merykare [i.e. Aspelta]"
Col. 2: "Beloved of Ptah, Lord of Ta-Set(i) [i.e. Nubia]"
ProvenanceFrom Nuri, pyramid 8 (tomb of Aspelta), N.W. corner foundation deposit (NW 21). 1917: excavated by the Harvard University-Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of the Sudan. (Accession Date: March 1, 1920)