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Lotiform cup
Nubian
Napatan Period, reigns of Anlamani to Aspelta
623–568 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Nuri, Pyramid 27 ( Queen Madiken), NW foundation dep.
Medium/Technique
Pottery
Dimensions
Overall: 6.1 x 8.2 cm (2 3/8 x 3 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number20.4418
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsArchitectural elements – Foundation deposits
DescriptionThis small cup is made of a somewhat coarse, light reddish clay fabric It has a lotiform body with straight to very slightly concave sides, expanding towards the top to a flaring straight rim. The lower body constricts before the base splays outward to form a slight foot.
Very small vessels such as this cup are common in grave, tomb, and temple contexts where they could be presented with offerings or as model offerings in and of themselves. They are thus often called "model vessels" or, also because of their use in offering contexts, "libation cups." They are most often made of medium to coarse grades of clay, and both hand-made and wheel-made examples (as with this example) occur. Shaping is often poor and irregular even when formed on a wheel. Frequent irregularities and asymmetry reflect fast work and mass production.
Very small vessels such as this cup are common in grave, tomb, and temple contexts where they could be presented with offerings or as model offerings in and of themselves. They are thus often called "model vessels" or, also because of their use in offering contexts, "libation cups." They are most often made of medium to coarse grades of clay, and both hand-made and wheel-made examples (as with this example) occur. Shaping is often poor and irregular even when formed on a wheel. Frequent irregularities and asymmetry reflect fast work and mass production.
ProvenanceFrom Nuri, Pyramid 27 (tomb of Queen Madiken), NW foundation deposit. 1918: 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: August 21, 2006)
(Accession Date: August 21, 2006)