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Four Model Vessels on Common Base

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
Model Food Offerings

Over time, new subjects came to be depicted within the tradition of displaying models of food offerings.


New Kingdom Egyptians continued the Middle Kingdom tradition of leaving smallscale replicas of food as funerary offerings in tombs. Although some types were known earlier—such as the trussed duck and miniature vessels—a new subject was the gazelle. As desert dwellers, gazelles symbolized the chaos that existed in the sterile lands flanking the Nile Valley. Bound gazelles therefore represented the desire for eternal control over chaos.
MEDIUM Limestone
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1539–1075 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 18 to Dynasty 20
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 1 9/16 x 3 1/4 x 3 1/8 in. (4 x 8.3 x 8 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 37.1388E
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION One group of four limestone model jars on a common base (square). Each jar occupies a corner of ther square. Each is shaped like a teapot, and all spout point in the same direction. Condition: Excellent. Some staining and superficial grease and dirt. Spouts are drilled---though not completely through.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
    CAPTION Four Model Vessels on Common Base, ca. 1539–1075 B.C.E. Limestone, 1 9/16 x 3 1/4 x 3 1/8 in. (4 x 8.3 x 8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.1388E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.37.1388E_erg456.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.37.1388E_erg456.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 9/6/2007
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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