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Vase

Maker Egyptian

DateNew Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, ca. 1550–1298 B.C.E.

GeographyMa'bad Abīdūs, Al Wādī al Jadīd, Egypt, Africa

MediumClay

Dimensionsoverall (approx.): 2 1/4 in. x 1 in. (5.7 cm x 2.5 cm)

Credit LineGift of the Egypt Exploration Fund

Object number1909.47

Status

Not on view

RightsCopyright is retained in accordance with U.S. Copyright laws

Photo creditDavis Museum at Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA

More Information

Object Label

Archaeologists excavated this red-orange clay vase with a folded rim at Abydos, an ancient Egyptian city along the Nile River. Its funerary context and small size suggest that it originally held a precious commodity such as scented oil or perfume. It was one of many offering jars placed alongside the deceased’s sarcophagus. Ancient Egyptians believed that any containers buried with the dead allowed the soul to use the contents during its journey to the afterlife.