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Situla with Religious Scenes in Raised Relief

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: 19th Dynasty to Roman Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor
Vessels of this shape, known as situlae, were used for carrying liquids during religious ceremonies. These smaller-sized situlae are models of the much larger vessels employed in temple rituals and likely served as temple votive offerings. Each situla depicts a worshipper standing or kneeling before a row of gods led by the ithyphallic god Amun- Min, a symbol of regeneration. Two of these pieces are inscribed with a prayer asking Isis to grant life to a named dedicator. The lotus petals at the bottom symbolize rebirth.
MEDIUM Bronze
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES 305-30 B.C.E.
    PERIOD Ptolemaic Period (or later)
    DIMENSIONS 2 13/16 x Diam. 1 in. (7.1 x 2.6 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.578E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Small bronze situla suspended from a modern metal loop. The decoration is incised lines. The decoration of the central register is as follows. A kneeling figure with his hands raised before him is shown facing left. In front of him is a flower and another offering which appear to be floating in air because the to-be-expected offering stand is not represented. On the other side of the offerings and facing right are Amun-Min, Isis, Nephthys, and a falcon-headed Horus. Petal design at bottom. Condition: Black cuprite patina. Surface highly rubbed dirty. Basically sound.
    CAPTION Situla with Religious Scenes in Raised Relief, 305-30 B.C.E. Bronze, 2 13/16 x Diam. 1 in. (7.1 x 2.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.578E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.578E_front_PS11.jpg)
    IMAGE front, 37.578E_front_PS11.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2015
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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