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Offering table of King Thutmose III
Egyptian
New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, reign of Thutmose III
1479–1425 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Quft (Coptos)
Medium/Technique
Granodiorite
Dimensions
Heigh x Width x length: 21.6 x 92.8 x 49 cm (8 1/2 x 36 9/16 x 19 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number24.980
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsReligious and cult objects
DescriptionMassive granodiorite offering table in the form of a "hetep" sign, the Egyptian hieroglyph for "offering." It was placed in a temple complex dedicated to the god Amen and the goddess Renenutet, Mistress of the Granary. Images of two round loaves of bread and two tall jars resting on an offering mat are carved in relief of the top surface. An offering prayer dedicated by the pharaoh Thutmose III runs around the edge of the table. The cartouches have been mutilated, probably under Akhenaten, who erased the name of Amen.
[Alternate text:]
This table takes the form of the hieroglyphic sign for "offerings", pronounced hetep, and composed of a rectangular tray with a loaf of bread placed upon it. Within the bordered frame of this design is another hetep sign, this time shown with additional loaves and cakes. The small canal or slit at the front allowed for the drainage of offering liquids.
[Alternate text:]
This table takes the form of the hieroglyphic sign for "offerings", pronounced hetep, and composed of a rectangular tray with a loaf of bread placed upon it. Within the bordered frame of this design is another hetep sign, this time shown with additional loaves and cakes. The small canal or slit at the front allowed for the drainage of offering liquids.
ProvenanceFrom Quft. 1923: Excavated by the Harvard University-Museum of Fine Arts Expedition, May-June 1923; 1924: assigned to the MFA by the government of Egypt.