Medium lentoid pilgrim flask



Accession Number
EC4009

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Description

A medium-sized lentoid flask fashioned in Marl clay. It has a rolled rim (outside) and a neck associated with two handles. Burning marks are visible on the rim and body of the vessel. A break on the rim has been restored at an unknown date. Two different black inked inscriptions are written on the bottom of the vessel: 'XVIII dyn' and '51 Egypt'. The objects are commonly referred to as pilgrim flasks. It is thought that such vessels were made by making two bowls on a wheel and then joining them at the rim. Such flasks were originally traded from the Levant before later being made in Egypt itself. It is not known what these flasks held, although Bourriau has suggested they may have held spices or liquor for adding to wine. In the Levant, wine amphora and vessels like these are found together. Complete vessels like this are usually found in graves. Purchased by Wellcome at auction in 1920.


Last modified: 17 Apr 2022

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