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Priest with an Offering Table

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

The kneeling posture conveys honor and reverence. The offering table suggests appeasement because it takes the form of a hieroglyph for “offering” and “pacification.” The priest with upraised arms and open palms makes a gesture of worship before a god. He wears a sash across his chest, a badge of priesthood.
MEDIUM Bronze
  • Reportedly From: Memphis, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1539 B.C.E. or later
    DYNASTY Dynasty 18, or later
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 2 1/2 x 13/16 x 1 7/16 in. (6.4 x 2.1 x 3.7 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.362E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION One small bronze of a kneeling man. He wears a skull cap, holding him an offering table. Incised on his back is an inscription. One tang descends from his knees. Condition: Good brown/black patina. Some green under the arms. Slight superficial pitting. Otherwise in excellent condition.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Priest with an Offering Table, ca. 1539 B.C.E. or later. Bronze, 2 1/2 x 13/16 x 1 7/16 in. (6.4 x 2.1 x 3.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.362E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.362E_front_SL1.jpg)
    IMAGE front, 37.362E_front_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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