Advanced Search 
Model of a brewery
Egyptian
First Intermediate Period or Middle Kingdom
2040–1991 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Painted wood
Dimensions
Height x width x length: 28.5 x 32.5 x 53.5 cm (11 1/4 x 12 13/16 x 21 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Emily Esther Sears Fund
Accession Number04.1782
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsModels
DescriptionThis wooden tomb model depicts the scene of a brewery. Three male and three female figures are at work. The men are painted a reddish-brown, while the women are painted yellow. All six are wearing white kilts and black wigs. One man carries a stoppered jar on his head, while another carries two cylindrical containers attached to a beam across his shoulders. The third man is leaning over one of three variously sized beer vats. An additional tall shouldered jar sits nearby with a small, red jar of globular shape resting on top of it. Two women are leaning over a table/bench, likely working with grain and/or bread. A third, smaller woman sits in front of a black-painted, cob-like implement. All components of the scene are attached to a wooden base.
ProvenanceFrom Asyut, tomb 14 (Wepwawetemhat); from the excavations carried out by M. Chassinat for the Louvre. 1904: purchased from Kyticas in Cairo by Albert M. Lythgoe for the MFA as part of a group for £617/16/6. Purchased with funds from the Emily Esther Sears Fund. (Accession Date: January 1, 1904)