Model set in copper from the tomb of Ptahshepses Impy at Giza (G 2381 A) A beautifully detailed and rendered model set in copper, found by Reisner in the tomb of Ptahshepses Impy at Giza (G 2381 A) and dated to the late Sixth Dynasty (Neferkara Pepy II), is a rare expression in miniature of the sort of ritual equipment used in funerary ceremonies and probably also in temple settings. Almost like a dolls house, is how George Reisner described the confusion of miniature dishes, jars, and tables of copper that had spilled out of a decayed wooden box in Impys tomb. Pictured here are some of the nearly forty metal vessels found in the burial chamber beside his coffin. Too small to have been used in daily life, they were made especially for the tomb, where it was thought that they would magically function like their full-size prototypes. Some of the jars and dishes were meant to hold offerings of food and drink for the deceased to enjoy in the afterlife. In fact, skeletal remains of beef, goose, duck, and other offerings were found beside them. The table was made in the form of the hetep hieroglyph, the Egyptian word for offering, that took the shape of an oblong loaf of bread placed upright on a mat. Other vessels were intended to hold the sacred oils and unguents that guaranteed rebirth. A basin and ewer for ritual washing and an incense burner rounded out the assortment. The use of copper in Egypt dates back to early Predynastic times. Minor amounts were found in the Eastern Desert, but the majority came from mines in Sinai. Impys vessels are ninety-nine percent pure copper, thanks to their smelting process. Metalsmiths melted prepared ingots and then cast or cold-hammered them into the desired shapes. Rivets were used to join different pieces. Impy was the son of the royal architect Nekhebu. When Reisner discovered his tomb, it was unplundered, perhaps thanks to the 7.6 meters (25 feet) of stone slabs that blocked the burial shaft. A large cedar coffin contained the mummy, which had been adorned with a gold and faience broadcollar, gold bracelet, and string of beads Copper models in the picture (photos W description: see comments) Back row (from right towards left) • Offering table (MFA 13.2938a) • Dish (MFA 13.3237) [left] and a basin (MFA 13.2954) [right] on the offering table: • Jar (MFA 13.2941) in an inscribed basin (MFA 13.2940) • Censer (MFA 13.2980) • I beaker (incense cup?) (MFA 13.2942) Front row (from right towards left) • Hes-jar (MFA 13.2938e) • Neckless jar (MFA 13.2957) • Spouted bowl (MFA 13.2944)
Posted on: Sun, 06 Apr 2014 16:33:32 +0000
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