Offering table from the mortuary temple of Amenemhat I
This imposing offering table was found at the west end of a passage just outside the northern wall of the pyramid temple of King Amenemhat I at Lisht North. It must have been placed there by the quarrymen who - most probably in Ramesside times - dismantled the temple. Originally, the offering table presumably stood in the open court of the temple, its roughly shaped lower part (now removed) sunken into the ground. A rectangular libation basin is carved into the top of the object, as well as representations in flat relief of an offering mat with two libation (hes) vases and three loaves of bread; the middle loaf is incised with the king's throne and Horus names and the added wish: "may [he] be given life forever!" At the center of the offering table's front side the incised birth name of the king (Amenemhat) forms the focus for rows of approaching fertility figures (fat men and women carrying offerings) who are designated by inscriptions as personifications of nomes (regional governorates) of northern Egypt (on the left) and southern Egypt (on the right).
Artwork Details
- Title: Offering table from the mortuary temple of Amenemhat I
- Period: Middle Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 12
- Reign: reign of Amenemhat I
- Date: ca. 1981–1952 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Lisht North, Pyramid Temple of Amenemhat I, west end of passage north of temple, MMA excavations, 1906–07
- Medium: Granite
- Dimensions: H. 161 cm (63 3/8 in.); W. 166 cm (65 3/8 in.); D. 47 cm (18 1/2 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1909
- Object Number: 09.180.526
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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ca. 1900–1850 B.C.
ca. 1981–1802 B.C.
ca. 1850–1775 B.C.
ca. 1295–1070 B.C.
ca. 1981–1640 B.C.
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