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Ritual Vase

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
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.
MEDIUM Clay
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1938–1700 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 12 to early Dynasty 13
    PERIOD Middle Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 10 11/16 x 2 3/4 in. (27.2 x 7 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.318E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
    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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.37.318E_erg2.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.37.318E_erg2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 5/27/2008
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