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Fragmentary Ointment Jar Inscribed for Unas

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Egyptian cleansing materials made the skin very dry, especially in the desert climate. Most Egyptians who could afford it followed daily washing with ointments rubbed into the skin. These ointments were often scented.
MEDIUM Egyptian alabaster (calcite)
  • Possible Place Made: Saqqara, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 2371–2350 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY late Dynasty 5
    PERIOD Old Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 3 5/16 in. (8.4 cm) high x 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm) diameter  (show scale)
    INSCRIPTIONS Inscribed for Horus Wadj-tawy the Nsw-bity, Unas
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.76E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION One cylindrical alabaster vessel with flat top. Flaring rim and base. Inscribed for the Horus Wadj-tawy the Nsw-bity, Unas. Condition: The rear of the vessel is completely broken off—almost down to the bottom. Front edge of the foot is much chipped.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Fragmentary Ointment Jar Inscribed for Unas, ca. 2371–2350 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster (calcite), 3 5/16 in. (8.4 cm) high x 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm) diameter. Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.76E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.76E_front_PS2.jpg)
    IMAGE front, 37.76E_front_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007
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