Spoon with Lotus Handle
ca. 1539-1292 B.C.E.
Maker Unknown
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
Spoons
Elaborate burials often included offerings of spoons with decorated bowls and handles, though their purpose is uncertain.
Early Egyptologists proposed that the spoons were used to remove solid ointments from wide-necked jars. Although many scholars still favor this traditional interpretation, others believe the spoons were cultic objects used in religious ceremonies. They probably served both functions: spoons decorated with images of birth-gods seem appropriate for domestic use; those with symbols of rebirth, such as the lotus, were probably intended for rituals.
Elaborate burials often included offerings of spoons with decorated bowls and handles, though their purpose is uncertain.
Early Egyptologists proposed that the spoons were used to remove solid ointments from wide-necked jars. Although many scholars still favor this traditional interpretation, others believe the spoons were cultic objects used in religious ceremonies. They probably served both functions: spoons decorated with images of birth-gods seem appropriate for domestic use; those with symbols of rebirth, such as the lotus, were probably intended for rituals.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Cosmetic
- Formatted Medium
- Wood
- Medium
- wood
- Dynasty
- Dynasty 18
- Period
- New Kingdom
- Dimensions
- 4 11/16 x Diam. 2 3/8 in. (11.9 x 6 cm)
- Accession Number
- 05.314
- Credit Line
- Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
- Exhibitions
- Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Ancient Egyptian Art
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- This item is not on view
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