Cosmetic Spoon of Ruiu

New Kingdom

ca. 1504–1447 B.C.

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 116

The burial of Ruiu was found in the tomb of her father, Neferkhawet, which was excavated by the Museum’s Egyptian Expedition in 1935. Lying against the right side of the head end of Ruiu’s coffin was a small basket that contained a wooden box and a metal razor. Inside the box were four scarabs and a cowroid seal-amulet made of steatite, two ebony kohl sticks, and this small metal spoon. The spoon was made from a piece of bronze or copper alloy wire with one end beaten to form bowl of the spoon.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Cosmetic Spoon of Ruiu
Period: New Kingdom
Dynasty: Dynasty 18, early
Reign: reign of Thutmose I–early sole Thutmose III
Date: ca. 1504–1447 B.C.
Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Asasif, Tomb of Neferkhawet (MMA 729), east chamber, Burial of Ruiu (IV), inside 35.3.45a, b, MMA excavations, 1935–36
Medium: Bronze or copper alloy
Dimensions: L. 7.3 cm (2 7/8 in.); w. of spoon 0.7 cm (1/4 in.); diam. of handle 0.2 cm (1/16 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1935
Object Number: 35.3.51
Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art

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Carpenter's Adze from a Foundation Deposit for Hatshepsut's Temple, Wood, bronze or copper alloy, leather — Carpenter's Adze from a Foundation Deposit for Hatshepsut's Temple
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.

Reconstruction of a Foundation Deposit, Pottery, wood, leather, reed, stone, bronze or copper alloy, food remains — Reconstruction of a Foundation Deposit
ca. 1479–1458 B.C.

Cosmetic set of Kohl Tube and Applicator, Razor, Tweezers, Whetstone, and Mirror, Bronze or copper alloy, stone, ivory, wood — Cosmetic set of Kohl Tube and Applicator, Razor, Tweezers, Whetstone, and Mirror
ca. 1550–1458 B.C.

Menat necklace from Malqata, Faience, bronze or copper alloy, glass, agate, carnelian, lapis lazuli, turquoise — Menat necklace from Malqata
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.

Handle of a Cosmetic Spoon in the Form of a Leopard, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster) — Handle of a Cosmetic Spoon in the Form of a Leopard
ca. 1390–1352 B.C.

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