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Offering case for ribs

Egyptian
Old Kingdom, Dynasty 6
2323–2150 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Giza, G 2385 A/71

Medium/Technique Limestone
Dimensions Length: 56.0 cm (22 1/16 in.)
Credit Line Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number13.4326
The ancient Egyptians believed the deceased required offerings of food and drink to survive in the next world. In two burial chambers of the Senedjemib family tomb complex at Giza, the Museum Expedition discovered a number of limstone cases in the shape of trussed birds, joints of beef, beef ribs, shoulder pieces or theighs, and cakes of bread. The hollows of these cases are large enough to have contained real food offerings, and several groups of animal boned were discovered nearby. By its shape, this large case probably held beef ribs.

DescriptionLower part only; probably belongs with 13.4324; yellow wash inside and out.
ProvenanceFrom Giza, G 2385 A / 71. 1912-13: excavated by the Harvard University-Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; 1913: assigned to the MFA by the government of Egypt.