Photo of collection object Jar Made in Two Parts
Jar Made in Two Parts, ca. 2800-2675 B.C.E.. Egyptian alabaster, 4 5/16 x Diam. 5 7/8 in. (10.9 x 15 cm). Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 07.447.27a-b. Creative Commons-BY.

Jar Made in Two Parts

ca. 2800-2675 B.C.E.

Maker Unknown

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Early Sculpture

Almost all of the small figures in this case originally were placed in temples.


We do not know the significance of many of these early objects. The lion probably embodied divine or royal power, and frogs may have provided protection during childbirth, as in later times.

The figure of a squatting little boy in this case may have been offered to a god as the expression of a wish to bear children. The destructive powers of animals such as pigs, hippos, and scorpions could apparently be neutralized and even made useful through their images, as in the hippo-headed top of a mace (war club).

The ivory lioness was part of a common board game, of which partial sets have survived. The opposing side’s pieces were carved ivory figures of crouching lions or dogs.
Maker/Artist
Maker Unknown
Classification
Vessel
Formatted Medium
Egyptian alabaster
Locations
Possible place collected: El Ma'mariya, Egypt, Possible place collected: el Ma'mariya, Egypt
Dynasty
Dynasty 2
Dimensions
4 5/16 x Diam. 5 7/8 in. (10.9 x 15 cm)
Accession Number
07.447.27a-b
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Rights Statement
Creative Commons-BY
Dominant Colors

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