Three ritual vessels (13-5); see cover; pp. 195, 330F Provenance
The names Manhata and Maruta on two of the vessels are believed to have occurred on pottery sherds at the site (Chap. 8). The fragment of sheet silver found by Chaban could be related to the vessels (p. 31; L 1.9, Th 0,28, with one seemingly cut edge).
Carter saw two of the three stoppers at Jusef Hassan’s shop in Luxor on October ii, 1916 (p. 48), and the vessels themselves early in 1918 (Winlock 1948: ii).
Previous assessment
Winlock termed these vessels “canisters” and understood them as tableware (1948: ii, 60F), an interpretation followed by N. Scott (1944: fig. 17; 1973: fig. 25) and Hayes (1959b: 139, fig. 77).
According to MMA records, the vessels were cleaned and mended by Leon Andre, Paris, in 1920, and cleaned by the Museum in 1931 as well as subsequently.
Current understanding
All three vases have a horizontal line scribed above the shoulder, separate bases, and inscriptions in columns bordered by simple vertical lines. The compositional analyses given below were obtained in 1974 by Mishara and Meyers from “thermal neutron activation... on small samples obtained by rubbing etched quartz tubing against cleaned surface” (Mishara and Meyers 1974: 36, 39f. nos. 5—7). According to Stone, the hammer work is rhythmic and orderly, and X rays show even wall thicknesses. The lines scribed below the opening and the columns of hieroglyphs vary in placement, fluidity, and strength. Their ghosts are seen on the interiors. Although now polished, examination reveals evidence of previous corrosion. Stone observed filing around the bases and restored areas; two of the bases seemed to be original with modem reinforcement of lead-tin solder.
Schorsh states that such vessels were manufactured by raising them upside down, cutting a hole out of the “bottom” to form the mouth of the jar, and braising a disk opposite this hole to form the tme base of the vessel. As for the stoppers, there is a “point of orientation” at the peak of each “bonnet”; the latter was no doubt raised, as was the stopper with surrounding flange to which it is attached.
Faience vessels of this type were found in the tombs of Amenhotep 11 and Tuthmosis IV (Daressy 1902: 232f nos. 3934—3934&I5, 3944; Carter and Newberry 1904: 58—67), some inscribed with the king’s names. A tall version of silver was found in the late Middle Kingdom tomb of Nefemptah, together with two silver vases without spouts; all three had the standard htp di nsw formula (Farag and Iskander 1971: 13—5). Most likely the vessels below were for water libations, as in fig. i of Spieser 1997. The type of inscription—indicating a gift from the king—is known on 18th dynasty stone vessels (Legrain 1903: 140 no. 14; Legrain 1904: 140 no. 1397). The correct full passive verbal form dlw, “given,” was used (Logan/Dorman).
13 Libation flask of Manuwai
Figs. 99 (top), 100 (left), loi (left), 263b
MMA 18.8.21a, b (P 173).
Source Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1918.
Material Silver: Cu 3.4, Ag 95.4, Au 1.2 (Mishara and Meyers).
Dimensions H with lid 19.5.
Manufacture A short, thick “step” on the interior where concave bottom meets wall, perhaps a modem reinforcement. Line on shoulder lightly chased.
Inscription Spacing and detailing of signs good.
Condition Stopper and flange of lid restored by Andre.
Bibliography Winlock 1948: 6o?, pi. 36 (lower left); Lilyquist 1991: fig. 22; Reeves 2000: 150; Lilyquist 2002: 462 no. 190.
14 Libation flask of Manhata
Figs. 99 (center), 100 (center), loi (right), 102, 264b
MMA 18.8.22a, b (P 174).
Source Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1918.
Material Silver: Cu 4.6, Ag 94.3, Au i. i (Mishara and Meyers).
Dimensions H with lid 18.0.
Manufactuile Bottom has lip which extends upward
Approximately 1.5; this sheet same thickness as walls, the join neat and unrestored (Cleveland/Grossbard).
Inscription Begins below the shoulder.
Condition Hole in jar mended by Andre; upper part of lid restored.
Bibliography Winlock 1948: 6of, pi. 36 (bottom right); Lilyquist 1988b: fig. 64.
15 Libation flask of Maruta
Figs. 99 (bottom), 100 (right), loi (center), 265b
MMA 18.8.20a, b (P 172).
Source Purchase, Rogers Fund, 1918.
Material Silver: Cu 3.4, Ag 95.3, Au 1.3 (Mishara and Meyers).
Dimensions H with lid 19.5.
Manufacture Bottom has a plate braised neatly in place but reinforced in modern times with solder. Heavily chased line on shoulder.
Inscription Spacing and detailing of the signs is superior to that on 13-14.
Bibliography N. Scott 1944; fig. 17 (center); Illustrated London News 1945: 24 (lower left); Winlock 1948: 6of, pi. 36 (bottom center); Hayes 1959b: 139, fig. 77; Kayser 1969: fig. 4; N. Scott 1973: 50; Casson 1981: 54;
Lilyquist 1988b: fig. 63.
World History
