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Mold for a heron or phoenix
Egyptian
Late Period, Dynasty 25–30
760–332 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Limestone
Dimensions
Height x width x depth: 13.6 x 14.3 x 2.6 cm (5 3/8 x 5 5/8 x 1 in.)
Credit Line
Hay Collection—Gift of C. Granville Way
Accession Number72.699
OUT ON LOAN
On display at Houston Museum of Natural Science, TX, May 17, 2013 – December 31, 2024
On display at Houston Museum of Natural Science, TX, May 17, 2013 – December 31, 2024
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Molds
DescriptionCarved in fine white limestone, this plaque carved in sunk relief served as a mold. The image represents a squatting heron, known by the Egyptians as a benu bird. The benu, associated with rebirth, was the origin of the mythical phoenix.
ProvenanceBy 1836: Robert Hay Collection, Linplum, Scotland; 1863: to his son, Robert James Alexander Hay; 1868-1872: Way Collection, Boston (purchased by Samuel A. Way through London dealers Rollin and Feuardent, 27 Haymarket); 1872: given to the MFA by Samuel's son, C. Granville Way.
(Accession date: June 28, 1872)
(Accession date: June 28, 1872)