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Bowl in the form of a bird
Egyptian
Predynastic Period
Naqada I–II, 3850–3300 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, el-Mahasna, Tomb H. 39
Medium/Technique
Pottery: Nile silt clay
Dimensions
Height x width x length: 5.5 x 11 x 15.7 cm (2 3/16 x 4 5/16 x 6 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Egypt Exploration Fund by subscription
Accession Number09.379
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsVessels
Potters used a type of highly polished red Nile clay to create lively and appealing vessels incorporating human or animal elements. Here, a semicircular bowl takes the form of a bird. The modeled head of a duck extends gracefully from one side of the bowl, while the body approximates the shape of a waterfowl with an upright tail. The Egyptians would continue to produce vessels in the form of plants and animals for the next three millennia.
DescriptionPotters used a type of highly polished red Nile clay to create lively and appealing vessels incorporating human or animal elements. Here, a semicircular bowl takes the form of a bird. The modeled head of a duck extends gracefully from one side of the bowl, while the body approximates the shape of a waterfowl with an upright tail. The Egyptians would continue to produce vessels in the form of plants and animals for the next three millennia.
ProvenanceFrom el-Mahasna, Tomb H. 39. 1908-09, excavated by Edward R. Ayrton and W. L. S. Loat for the Egypt Exploration Fund; assigned to the Egypt Exploration Fund by the government of Egypt; given to the MFA by the Egypt Exploration Fund.
(Accession Date: October 1, 1909)
(Accession Date: October 1, 1909)