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Small offering dish/lid
Nubian
Napatan Period, reign of Malonaqen
555–542 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Nuri, Pyramid 5 (Malonaqen), SW foundation deposit
Medium/Technique
Pottery
Dimensions
Overall: 5.5 x 10.3 cm (2 3/16 x 4 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number20.4089
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsArchitectural elements – Foundation deposits
DescriptionCommon 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 Nuri, Pyramid 5 (tomb of Malonaqen), SW foundation deposit. 1917-1918: 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 10, 2006)
(Accession Date: August 10, 2006)