Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Fragment of an Offering List

ca. 1844–1835 B.C.E.

1 of 2

Object Label

Four columns of text in this fragment list offerings for Senwosret II to enjoy throughout eternity, including wine, beer, a copper bowl, and a container of festival perfume (the sign for “container” appears in the lower left). The hieroglyphs show considerable detail, as in the meticulous rendering of the man’s curly hair at the bottom of the second column from the left.

Caption

Fragment of an Offering List, ca. 1844–1835 B.C.E.. Limestone, pigment, 18 1/8 x 15 3/4 in. (46 x 40 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Museum Collection Fund, 14.666. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Title

Fragment of an Offering List

Date

ca. 1844–1835 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 12

Period

Middle Kingdom

Geography

Place excavated: Lahun, Egypt

Medium

Limestone, pigment

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

18 1/8 x 15 3/4 in. (46 x 40 cm)

Credit Line

Museum Collection Fund

Accession Number

14.666

Frequent Art Questions

  • Tell me more.

    This inscription comes from a funerary temple dedicated to the king Senwosret II. The text describes offerings that the deceased king hoped to receive. The list was quite standardized, notice how some of the columns start the same way.
    We can tell that this fragment comes from the top of a composition because the stars at the top indicate the night sky.
    What did the king actually hope to receive?
    On this fragment wine, two types of beer, and festival perfumes are listed.
    In general, the offering lists included food, drink, and clothing.
    Alright, thank you.

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