Figure Item Number: M3.145 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Figure composed of a representative pair of Hes or libation vases, each with a cylindrical mouth above a flared lip that narrows to the neck, and a rounded shoulder that narrows towards a flared base. The vases are joined at the top where there is a projecting shape, square with four parallel raised bands as viewed from the top, and a rectangular platform at the base. A hole runs through the square projection from side to side and the figure is glazed in light bluish-green.

History Of Use

Probably amulet. Libation vases used when the priests purified the kings. They poured water over the kings from such vases by shaking them from side to side, and the zigzag line formed by the falling liquid is the hieroglyphic sign for water.

Iconographic Meaning

The Hes vase is the emblem of purity.

Narrative

The van Haersolte Collection

Item History

What

Name
Figure
Identification Number
M3.145
Type of Item
figure
Material
faience
Manufacturing Technique
faience work
Overall
height 3.7 cm, width 2.7 cm, depth 2.2 cm

Who

Culture
Egyptian
Previous Owner
Baron van Haersolte van den Doorn, Baron van Haersolte van den Doorn and Kathleen van Haersolte van den Doorn
Received from
Leon & Thea Koerner Foundation (Funding source), U.B.C. President's Fund (Funding source) and Kathleen van Haersolte van den Doorn (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Egypt

When

Collection Date
during 1890
Ownership Date
before April 26, 1956
Acquisition Date
on April 26, 1956

Other

Item Classes
ceramics
Condition
fair
Accession Number
2308/0144