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Cylinder sheath of King Aspelta
Nubian
Napatan Period, reign of Aspelta
593–568 B.C.
Findspot: Nubia (Sudan), Nuri, Pyramid 8
Medium/Technique
Gilded silver
Dimensions
Height x diameter: 12.4 x 3 cm (4 7/8 x 1 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number21.11731
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsUnclassifiable objects – Function unknown
DescriptionAt the bottom is a wreath of lotus blossoms. Two winged goddesses, Hathor and Mut (?) adorn the lower cylinder between the vulture and serpent astride the heraldic plants of Upper and Lower Egypt. Between these are the names of Aspelta. On the upper cylinder are papyrus umbels, ram's heads with sun-disks and a frieze of uraeus serpents. (Sudan catalogue)
Silver gilt cylinder sheath in two parts, fragmentary, mounted on modern silver cylinders, top part with repoussé decorations, lower part with engraved decorations including cartouches of Aspelta. Bottom with rosette complete, sides only partly preserved; see also 21.11744. (Card)
Silver gilt cylinder sheath in two parts, fragmentary, mounted on modern silver cylinders, top part with repoussé decorations, lower part with engraved decorations including cartouches of Aspelta. Bottom with rosette complete, sides only partly preserved; see also 21.11744. (Card)
ProvenanceFrom Nuri, Pyramid 8 (Tomb of Aspelta), Chamber A. 1916: excavated by the Harvard University-Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; assigned to the MFA by the government of Sudan; 1921: received by the MFA.
(Accession date: April 1, 1916)
(Accession date: April 1, 1916)