Miniature votive jar
Medium:Ceramic (earthenware)
Geography: Excavated at Abydos, Egypt
Date: c. 1550-1295 BC
Period: 18th Dynasty, New Kingdom
Object number: 902.6.59
Gallery Location:Galleries of Africa: Egypt
DescriptionAt the southern end of the Terrace Temple of Ahmose at Abydos almost 2000 small ceramic and stone vessels were found. Described by Currelly as a “foundation deposit,” it is more likely that this was a collection of miniature vessels used in the offering rituals of the temple and then discarded. Miniature ceramic vessels were easily mass produced and were suitable for the daily temple offerings. The shapes of the miniature vessels derive from those of the full-sized vessels of this period and earlier. This miniature jar is made of Nile silt with a string-cut base (2.5 cm diameter). It was made on a slow wheel with rilling marks still being visible. The everting direct rim has chips missing. The maximum width at the body tapers to a cylindrical pedestal base. The interior narrows to a point in tall base.
Object History: Excavated by the Egypt Exploration Society, 1900-1902
