Buchis Bull Offering Table
ca. 200 B.C.E.–300 C.E.
1 of 4
Object Label
The Buchis bull was associated with the war god Montu. Each Buchis was likely a wild bull, distinguished by its white body and black head.
The bull was mummified at its death and buried in a sandstone sarcophagus. After burial, priests made food and drink offerings to it on tables like this one.
The bull was mummified at its death and buried in a sandstone sarcophagus. After burial, priests made food and drink offerings to it on tables like this one.
Caption
Buchis Bull Offering Table, ca. 200 B.C.E.–300 C.E.. Stone, 4 5/8 x 13 11/16 x 17 1/4 in. (11.8 x 34.7 x 43.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society, 32.2088. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Buchis Bull Offering Table
Date
ca. 200 B.C.E.–300 C.E.
Period
Late Ptolemaic Period to Roman Period
Geography
Place excavated: Armant, Egypt
Medium
Stone
Classification
Dimensions
4 5/8 x 13 11/16 x 17 1/4 in. (11.8 x 34.7 x 43.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society
Accession Number
32.2088
Frequent Art Questions
Why is the center of this piece recessed? Are those stairs?
Those are stairs. This is an offering table made to be used after the burial of the Buchis bull. The steps symbolize a downward descent into the earth. Offerings of food would be placed in this depression for the bull to eat in the afterlife.So awesome. Thank you!
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