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Meskhetyu Instrument From Foundation Deposit C, Hatshepsut's Temple

New Kingdom
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 116
This "meskhetyu" instrument would have been used at the "opening of the mouth" ritual, which was intended to allow the deceased to come to life. The ceremony would have been performed at the consecration of a temple to enable the sculptures and the images on the walls to function as their living counterparts.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Meskhetyu Instrument From Foundation Deposit C, Hatshepsut's Temple
  • Period: New Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 18
  • Reign: Joint reign of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III
  • Date: ca. 1479–1458 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Deir el-Bahri, Temple of Hatshepsut, forecourt, Foundation Deposit 3 (C), MMA excavations, 1923–24
  • Medium: Wood
  • Dimensions: L. 25.9 cm (10 3/16 in.); W. 2 cm (13/16 in.); H. 6.7 cm (2 5/8 in.)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1925
  • Object Number: 25.3.40
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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