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Headrest with Bes-Image and Taweret

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

MEDIUM Wood
  • Reportedly From: Saqqara, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1539-1425 B.C.E. B.C.E.
    DYNASTY early Dynasty 18
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 7 1/4 x 11 7/16 x 2 15/16 in. (18.4 x 29 x 7.5 cm) base: 2 15/16 x 11 5/8 in. (7.5 x 29.5 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.440E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION One wooden headrest made in three pieces forming a sharply curved, single columnar shaft. The first piece forms the curved pillow and upper half of the column; the second (smallest piece) fits between the first and third, which forms the lowest quarter of the object and its base. The three pieces are secured by a dowel (end is visible on pillow). A round headed disc pierced with a tiny dowel holds the two in place. There is one column of inscription naming the owner yywy on one side of the main support. The opposite side shows Bes. There are two images of Taweret one on each end of the upper face of the base. Condition: One end of the pillow is broken off and a jagged edge is exposed. Large gaping holes at both sides of the base as well as in the shaft. Two nearly parallel cracks on the shaft; some splintering as well.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Headrest with Bes-Image and Taweret, ca. 1539-1425 B.C.E. B.C.E. Wood, 7 1/4 x 11 7/16 x 2 15/16 in. (18.4 x 29 x 7.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.440E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.440E_side1.jpg)
    IMAGE side, 37.440E_side1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2003
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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