<em>Headrest with Two Images of the God Bes</em>, ca. 1539–1190 B.C.E. Wood, 7 x 11 1/4 x 3 in. (17.8 x 28.6 x 7.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.435E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.435E_front_PS2.jpg)

Headrest with Two Images of the God Bes, ca. 1539–1190 B.C.E. Wood, 7 x 11 1/4 x 3 in. (17.8 x 28.6 x 7.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.435E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.435E_front_PS2.jpg)

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Headrest with Two Images of the God Bes

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor

Headrests like this were used in life to support the head while sleeping. They are also found supporting a mummy’s head in the coffin. This headrest perhaps was made specifically for the tomb, since the offering prayer has been inscribed on the supporting column, or the prayer was added after the death of the owner.

MEDIUM Wood

Reportedly From: Saqqara, Egypt

DATES ca. 1539–1190 B.C.E.

DYNASTY Dynasty 18 to Dynasty 19

PERIOD New Kingdom

DIMENSIONS 7 x 11 1/4 x 3 in. (17.8 x 28.6 x 7.6 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 37.435E

CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Wooden headrest made in three pieces; top, small central part of column, and base. The pieces are joined together by means of tenons and pegs. A rectangular plug of wood in the top appears to hide one tenon. The supporting column is fluted. On one side of the support is incised an inscription. At either end of the base is an incised representation of the god Bes. In one case he holds out an object in each hand. In the other representation he appears to hold what could be a schematic representation of a headrest. "An offering which the king gives to Maat for the ka-soul of the retainer, Peh-erw-aa(?)" Condition: Chipped and scratched; some holes, especially on top.

EXHIBITIONS

To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor

CAPTION Headrest with Two Images of the God Bes, ca. 1539–1190 B.C.E. Wood, 7 x 11 1/4 x 3 in. (17.8 x 28.6 x 7.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.435E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.435E_front_PS2.jpg)

IMAGE front, 37.435E_front_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2007

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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