Jar Made in Two Parts, ca. 2800-2675 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster, 4 5/16 x Diam. 5 7/8 in. (10.9 x 15 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 07.447.27a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.07.447.27a-b_NegA_print_bw.jpg)
Jar Made in Two Parts, ca. 2800-2675 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster, 4 5/16 x Diam. 5 7/8 in. (10.9 x 15 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 07.447.27a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.07.447.27a-b_view1_erg3.jpg)
Jar Made in Two Parts, ca. 2800-2675 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster, 4 5/16 x Diam. 5 7/8 in. (10.9 x 15 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 07.447.27a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.07.447.27a-b_view2_erg3.jpg)
Jar Made in Two Parts
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
On View: Pre-Dynastic, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
Early Sculpture
Almost all of the small figures in this case originally were placed in temples.
We do not know the significance of many of these early objects. The lion probably embodied divine or royal power, and frogs may have provided protection during childbirth, as in later times.
The figure of a squatting little boy in this case may have been offered to a god as the expression of a wish to bear children. The destructive powers of animals such as pigs, hippos, and scorpions could apparently be neutralized and even made useful through their images, as in the hippo-headed top of a mace (war club).
The ivory lioness was part of a common board game, of which partial sets have survived. The opposing side’s pieces were carved ivory figures of crouching lions or dogs.
Almost all of the small figures in this case originally were placed in temples.
We do not know the significance of many of these early objects. The lion probably embodied divine or royal power, and frogs may have provided protection during childbirth, as in later times.
The figure of a squatting little boy in this case may have been offered to a god as the expression of a wish to bear children. The destructive powers of animals such as pigs, hippos, and scorpions could apparently be neutralized and even made useful through their images, as in the hippo-headed top of a mace (war club).
The ivory lioness was part of a common board game, of which partial sets have survived. The opposing side’s pieces were carved ivory figures of crouching lions or dogs.
MEDIUM
Egyptian alabaster
DATES
ca. 2800-2675 B.C.E.
DYNASTY
Dynasty 2
PERIOD
early Dynastic Period
DIMENSIONS
4 5/16 x Diam. 5 7/8 in. (10.9 x 15 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
07.447.27a-b
CREDIT LINE
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
PROVENANCE
Mohamerieh, Egypt, second period, probably Tomb No. 84; 1907, excavated by Henri de Morgan of Francescas, France and New York, NY for the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is on view in Pre-Dynastic, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
CAPTION
Jar Made in Two Parts, ca. 2800-2675 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster, 4 5/16 x Diam. 5 7/8 in. (10.9 x 15 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 07.447.27a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.07.447.27a-b_NegA_print_bw.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, CUR.07.447.27a-b_NegA_print_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2013
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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