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Magical Water Jar of Sithathoryunet with Lid

Middle Kingdom
ca. 1887–1813 B.C.
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 111
This highly sculptural image of a vessel resembles the much smaller metal ewers with spouts that Egyptians used—together with matching basins—for washing their hands before meals and pouring libations for deities and the dead. The utilitarian form has been enlarged and transferred into stone in order to assure an eternal water supply for the dead princess.

The incised text reads, in translation:
"Princess Sithathoryunet, accept these your cool waters from the earth, which beget everything living and all things, for they are what this earth gives—(this earth) that begets everything living and from which everything comes.

May you (Sithathoryunet) live through them and be restored through them. May you live and be restored through this air that is from it. It shall beget you and you shall emerge alive through everything you might desire. May they be to your good."

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Magical Water Jar of Sithathoryunet with Lid
  • Period: Middle Kingdom
  • Dynasty: Dynasty 12
  • Reign: reign of Senwosret II–Amenemhat III
  • Date: ca. 1887–1813 B.C.
  • Geography: From Egypt, Fayum Entrance Area, Lahun, Tomb of Sithathoryunet (BSA Tomb 8), BSAE excavations, 1920
  • Medium: Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
  • Dimensions: Overall . 56 cm (22 1/16 in); diam. 26.7 cm (10 1/2 in)
    h. of jar 41.9 cm (16 1/2 in)
    h. of lid 17.1 cm (6 3/4 in)
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1921
  • Object Number: 21.2.62a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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