Bowdoin College Museum of Art

Preview image of work. obsidian, Vase 5401

1963.264

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Vase

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Artist

Artist Unidentified

Title

Vase

Creation Date

4000 BCE - 3000 BCE

Century

30th century BCE

Dimensions

5 1/8 in. x 3 5/8 in. (13.08 cm. x 9.2 cm.)

Object Type

vessel

Creation Place

Ancient Mediterranean, Egyptian

Medium and Support

obsidian

Credit Line

Gift of Miss Susan Dwight Bliss

Copyright

Public Domain

Accession Number

1963.264

Stoneworking has a long tradition in Egypt and artists who worked in the medium developed shapes inspired by vessels of clay. Stone wares, considered more prestigious than those in clay, were preferred as offerings in the tombs of early Egyptian elites. Artists who worked in stone often emulated traditional shapes common in clay vessels. This basalt carving, intended for a tomb, is based on an ovoid shaped type of ceramic wares common in everyday life.

Additional Media

side with handle

opposite side

alternate side with handle