Fragment of Spoon in Form of Lotus, ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E. Wood, 2 3/4 × 5 1/2 in. (7 × 14 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.606E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.606E_NegA_SL4.jpg)
Fragment of Spoon in Form of Lotus, ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E. Wood, 2 3/4 × 5 1/2 in. (7 × 14 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.606E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.37.606E_erg456.jpg)
Fragment of Spoon in Form of Lotus
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
On View: Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
Spoons
Elaborate burials often included offerings of spoons with decorated bowls and handles, though their purpose is uncertain.
Early Egyptologists proposed that the spoons were used to remove solid ointments from wide-necked jars. Although many scholars still favor this traditional interpretation, others believe the spoons were cultic objects used in religious ceremonies. They probably served both functions: spoons decorated with images of birth-gods seem appropriate for domestic use; those with symbols of rebirth, such as the lotus, were probably intended for rituals.
Elaborate burials often included offerings of spoons with decorated bowls and handles, though their purpose is uncertain.
Early Egyptologists proposed that the spoons were used to remove solid ointments from wide-necked jars. Although many scholars still favor this traditional interpretation, others believe the spoons were cultic objects used in religious ceremonies. They probably served both functions: spoons decorated with images of birth-gods seem appropriate for domestic use; those with symbols of rebirth, such as the lotus, were probably intended for rituals.
MEDIUM
Wood
DATES
ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E.
DYNASTY
Dynasty 18
PERIOD
New Kingdom
DIMENSIONS
2 3/4 × 5 1/2 in. (7 × 14 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
37.606E
CREDIT LINE
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
The upper part of a wooden toilet spoon in the form of a lotus plant. The flower forms the spoon and has a swivel lid on which the flower design is incised. Resting atop the flower is a lotus leaf. The inner area of the dish is divided into two parts, a. the flower area, b. the leaf area. On either side of the flower symmetrically placed are two lotus buds in relief. The buds and flower each have a separate stem (also in relief) which emanates from a rectangular area incised with lotus flowers and buds alternately. Below this is an incised rectangular area. All inlays are missing. The back is undecorated.
Condition: The pin for the swivel is missing. The lower part of the handle is missing and there are several cracks in the piece and the lid.
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is on view in Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
CAPTION
Fragment of Spoon in Form of Lotus, ca. 1539–1292 B.C.E. Wood, 2 3/4 × 5 1/2 in. (7 × 14 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.606E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 37.606E_NegA_SL4.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, unedited master file, 37.606E_NegA_SL4.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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