Fish-shaped vase

These objects probably come from Abydos, and more precisely from the necropolis at Umm el-Qaab. The bowl fragment is engraved with the name and titles of Qaa, the last known ruler of the First Dynasty (c. 2900 BCE). It was part of the funerary material deposited in his tomb in order to ensure the king would enjoy a sumptuous life after death. The bowl itself is made of hard stone. The quality of the workmanship and the care taken with the hieroglyphic inscription attest to refined craftsmanship, probably carried out at a royal workshop. The vase next to it takes the form of a fish and has sleek lines. The mouth of the fish forms the opening of a bottle, likely intended to hold a precious liquid. The dorsal fin is depicted with engraved striations. This object was almost certainly part of the funerary material in a tomb.