Ritual Vessel, Dynasty I (ca. 3100-2900 B.C.)
Greywacke, W. 5 3/4 in. (14.5 cm), L. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1919 (19.2.16)
Ritual Vessel, Dynasty I (ca. 3100-2900 B.C.)
Greywacke, W. 5 3/4 in. (14.5 cm), L. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1919 (19.2.16)
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(From info card) "Experimention in carving stone vessels reached its zenith in the Early Dynastic Period. Craftsmen were highly successful at translating the plasticity associated with clay into stone, and this spouted dish is a fine example. The votive dish has two hieroglyphs; the pair of arms reads ka (spirit), and the cross-like symbol offered by the arms translates as ankh (life). The ankh's base serves as the spout, and several interior walls are pierced to allow liquid to flow through the emblem." It's a marvelous evocation of 'feeding the ka', (aka 'life to thy spirit' as the museum website has it). And the excellent workmanship so early in Egyptian history is amazing. |
