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Small offering dish/lid
Nubian
Napatan Period, reign of unknown king
369–353 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Nuri, Pyramid 1 (unknown king), NW foundation deposit
Medium/Technique
Pottery
Dimensions
Overall: 3 x 11 cm (1 3/16 x 4 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number20.4102
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/dishes." 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 1, NW foundation deposit. 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 14, 2006)
(Accession Date: August 14, 2006)