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Spoon with a falcon on the handle

Predynastic, Naqada III
ca. 3300–3100 B.C.
Not on view
This early example of a toilet spoon (partly reconstructed) has a long handle, rounded for most of its length, and then tapering and flattening toward one end. Vertically through the flattened end is a hole, perhaps for suspension. At the other end is a hemispherical bowl to hold cosmetic material. Facing the bowl is the figure of a falcon that rests its beak on the rim. Although falcons are rarely depicted during this period, this high-soaring bird of prey was already beginning to take on solar connotations. The ivory from which this spoon was carved could be from either a hippopotamus or an elephant tusk.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Spoon with a falcon on the handle
  • Period: Predynastic, Naqada III
  • Date: ca. 3300–3100 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Northern Upper Egypt, Mahasna, Tomb H128, EEF excavations 1908–1909
  • Medium: Ivory
  • Dimensions: L. 30.3 × H. 2 × W. 4.3 cm (11 15/16 × 13/16 × 1 11/16 in.)
  • Credit Line: Gift of Egypt Exploration Fund, 1909
  • Object Number: 09.182.9
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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