Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art: Cylindrical Stand with Separate Bowl (Together Forming a Table of Offerings) of the Superintendent of the Granary, Ptahyeruka

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Cylindrical Stand with Separate Bowl (Together Forming a Table of Offerings) of the Superintendent of the Granary, Ptahyeruka

This jar and stand were used in a tomb to present the deceased with water, milk, beer, or other liquids. They were set up in front of the tomb's false door, through which the spirit of the deceased was believed to pass to partake of the offering. The fact that such jars often appear in pairs, each jar being made of a different type of stone, has led to their interpretation as the Two Eyes of Horus, which represent the sun and the moon, symbols of rebirth and resurrection. Seen this way, jars like this would have the power to ward off hostile forces and aid in the transformation of the deceased from human to akh.

• Medium: Granite and limestone
• Place Made: Saqqara, Egypt
• Dates: ca. 2475-2345 B.C.E.
• Dynasty: V Dynasty
• Period: Old Kingdom
• Dimensions: 22 3/16 in. (56.3 cm) Other (Stand): 15 9/16 x 6 in. (39.6 x 15.2 cm) Other (Bowl): 5 1/4 x 6 5/16 in. (13.3 x 16.1 cm)
• Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art
• Museum Location: This item is on view in Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Temples and Tombs, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor
• Accession Number: 37.19E
• Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
• Image: Overall, 37.19E_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
Cylindrical Stand with Separate Bowl (Together Forming a Table of Offerings) of the Superintendent of the Granary, Ptahyeruka, ca. 2475-2345 B.C.E. Granite and limestone, 22 3/16 in. (56.3 cm) Other (Stand): 15 9/16 x 6 in. (39.6 x 15.2 cm) Other (Bowl): 5 1/4 x 6 5/16 in. (13.3 x 16.1 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.19E (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.19E_bw.jpg)
• Catalogue Description: Limestone offering stand (b) supporting one pink granite (pegmatite) bowl. The stand is inscribed for the "Overseer of the Granary Irukaptah". 37.18E (a) and (b) is a companion piece. Condition: (a) bowl is in good condition. Examination of the base revealed a vertical cut or slot in the bottom 1.4 cm wide and 1 cm deep. (b) base has large area missing on the right hand side. This extends from the rim down towards the middle of the vessel. The rim of the lower edge is slightly chipped in parts