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Miniature/model offering jar
Nubian
New Kingdom to Meroitic Period
1550 B.C.–A.D. 320
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Gebel Barkal, Building (Temple) B 600, room 602, sub.
Medium/Technique
Pottery
Dimensions
Overall: 10 x 4.4 cm (3 15/16 x 1 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number20.4870
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsVessels
DescriptionThis small jar is fashioned of a light reddish clay fabric. It has a flat, shaved base that splays outward very slightly. The sides expand very gradually before the upper body curves inward to a wide mouth with a slightly out-turned rim. Most of the upper body is broken off, some fragments remaining. These were once mended, but some have broken off once again. Only a small segment of the rim is represented by the remainig fragments. Other portions are missing.
Common in grave, tomb, and temple contexts, small vessels such as this example are often called "offering vessels" or, because of their small size, "model vessels." In ancient times they could be used for the presentation of offerings at a tomb or temple or as model offerings in and of themselves. Such vessels are most often made of medium to coarse grades of clay.
Common in grave, tomb, and temple contexts, small vessels such as this example are often called "offering vessels" or, because of their small size, "model vessels." In ancient times they could be used for the presentation of offerings at a tomb or temple or as model offerings in and of themselves. Such vessels are most often made of medium to coarse grades of clay.
ProvenanceFrom Nubia (Sudan) Gebel Barkal, Building (Temple) B 600, room 602, sub. 1916: 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: September 8, 2006)
(Accession Date: September 8, 2006)