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Magic bottle
Egyptian
Old Kingdom, Dynasty 4, reign of Khufu (Cheops)
2551–2528 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Giza, Menkaura Valley Temple
Medium/Technique
Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
Dimensions
Height x diameter: 10.4 x 4.9 cm (4 1/8 x 1 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number11.771
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsReligious and cult objects
DescriptionFine-grained ritual vessel with a wavy-lined surface. The inside was not hollowed out; thus its designation as a "dummy" vessel. It would have been used in the "opening of the mouth" ceremony performed on the statues of Menkaura in his valley temple.
ProvenanceFrom Giza, Menkaura Valley Temple. March 2, 1911: excavated by the Harvard University-Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; 1911: assigned to the MFA by the government of Egypt.
(Accession Date: March 2, 1911)
(Accession Date: March 2, 1911)