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Small offering dish/lid
Nubian
Meroitic Period
270 B.C.–A.D. 320
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Meroe, Beg.W 469 Foundation Deposit SE
Medium/Technique
Pottery
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number24.3175
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsVessels
DescriptionThese fragments are from one of five small offering dishes/lids found together; one has all pieces present. Common in grave, tomb, and temple contexts, small vessels such as this example are often called "offering bowls/dishes" or, because of their small size, "model bowls." 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. Some were also employed as lids for jars with mouths of appropriate diameter. Such dishes/lids are most often made of medium to coarse grades of clay. Knife-cut or cord-cut bases are common, though rounded bases occur as well. Frequent irregularities or asymmetry in shaping reflect fast work and mass production.
ProvenanceFrom Meroe, W469 (Foundation Deposit SE). 1923: excavated by the Harvard University-Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA in the division of finds by the government of Sudan.
(Accession Date: August 16, 2006)
(Accession Date: August 16, 2006)