Fragement from a jar with a label identifying contents as honey
These pottery fragments are from the shoulder of a large storage jar. The two well preserved lines of text are in hieratic script, the cursive form of ancient Egyptian writing which was always written from right to left. At the beginning of the second line is a sign representing a bee. This sign was used to write the word "honey" and identifies the contents of the jar.
Besides its use as a sweetener, honey was valued for its therapeutic effect when applied to wounds. Prescriptions for the use of honey are found in ancient medical texts written on papyrus.
Besides its use as a sweetener, honey was valued for its therapeutic effect when applied to wounds. Prescriptions for the use of honey are found in ancient medical texts written on papyrus.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fragement from a jar with a label identifying contents as honey
- Period: New Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 18
- Reign: reign of Amenhotep III
- Date: ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Malqata, Palace of Amenhotep III, MMA excavations, 1916–17
- Medium: Pottery, ink
- Dimensions: H. 8.5 × W. 15 × Th. 0.6 cm (3 3/8 in. × 5 7/8 in. × 1/4 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1917
- Object Number: 17.10.12
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
ca. 1390–1353 B.C.
ca. 1279–1213 B.C.
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.
ca. 1336–1327 B.C.
ca. 1550–1352 B.C.
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Free to download
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.