Miniature offering table
Miniature offering tables are a type of dedication to temples in the later periods.
On this table loaves and vessels are depicted in relief on the table itself. The spout of the table ends in a lion head, and on the opposite side are two loops where a chain is meant to be attached. Small round elements in each corner of the table may be where elements like falcons or baboons were once attached as on some other tables. A figure of a kneeling offerer would have sat at the rear of the table opposite the spout.
The tables seem to have been closely associated with situlae (libation vessels), both from some evidence of finds and from their decoration. It has been suggested that liquid would have been poured from the situla onto the small table as part of a ritual offering.
On this table loaves and vessels are depicted in relief on the table itself. The spout of the table ends in a lion head, and on the opposite side are two loops where a chain is meant to be attached. Small round elements in each corner of the table may be where elements like falcons or baboons were once attached as on some other tables. A figure of a kneeling offerer would have sat at the rear of the table opposite the spout.
The tables seem to have been closely associated with situlae (libation vessels), both from some evidence of finds and from their decoration. It has been suggested that liquid would have been poured from the situla onto the small table as part of a ritual offering.
Artwork Details
- Title: Miniature offering table
- Period: Late Period–Ptolemaic Period
- Date: 400–200 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Bronze or copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 9.1 × W. 5.7 cm (3 9/16 × 2 1/4 in.)
- Credit Line: Gift of Joseph W. Drexel, 1889
- Object Number: 89.2.532
- 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.
246–222 B.C.
4th–2nd century B.C.
ca. 664–525 BCE
332–246 B.C.
332–30 BCE
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.