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Miniature/model bowl
Nubian
Napatan Period
about 750–270 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Gebel Barkal, Great Temple of Amun, B 502 (inner court)
Medium/Technique
Pottery
Dimensions
Overall: 3.7 x 5.8 cm (1 7/16 x 2 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number20.4406
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsVessels
DescriptionThis is a very small bowl fashioned by hand from a rough redware fabric. It is roughly conical in shape.
Very small vessels 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." They are most often made of medium to coarse grades of clay, and shaping is often poor and irregular. Frequent irregularities or asymmetry in shaping reflect fast work and mass production. They can be either hand-made or spun on a wheel.
Very small vessels 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." They are most often made of medium to coarse grades of clay, and shaping is often poor and irregular. Frequent irregularities or asymmetry in shaping reflect fast work and mass production. They can be either hand-made or spun on a wheel.
ProvenanceFrom Nubia (Sudan) Gebel Barkal, Building B (Great Temple of Amun), Room 502 (inner court). 1920: 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)