Collection
/
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Ritual Vase

ca. 1938–1700 B.C.E.

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Object Label

Special vessels were used to hold ritually purified water. Called hes-vases (from the Egyptian word meaning “favored”), these containers were frequently left as tomb offerings so the deceased could drink the water and thus maintain a pure state throughout eternity. The potter who made this example applied a thin slip to imitate banded alabaster.

Caption

Ritual Vase, ca. 1938–1700 B.C.E.. Clay, 10 11/16 x 2 3/4 in. (27.2 x 7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.318E. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Title

Ritual Vase

Date

ca. 1938–1700 B.C.E.

Dynasty

Dynasty 12 to early Dynasty 13

Period

Middle Kingdom

Geography

Place made: Egypt

Medium

Clay

Classification

Vessel

Dimensions

10 11/16 x 2 3/4 in. (27.2 x 7 cm)

Credit Line

Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Accession Number

37.318E

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