A group of three Egyptian Offering Cups, Late Period, 26th Dynasty, ca. 664-525 BCE

of pale green faience composition, these petite examples with everted rims, the narrow cylindrical body tapering to a conical footed form, one with incised hieroglyphic mark. 

Ancient Egyptian tombs sometimes included a chapel or a table accessible to visitors so they could leave offerings to the deceased in the presence of Osiris.  Priests or family members would leave gifts, often food, for the deceased in order to sustain and amuse them in the afterlife.

Condition: The pieces with age-appropriate wear, glaze worn thin and small losses to the disk foot and modern catalog number in black pigment beneath.  Two of the pieces rejoined otherwise intact and in very good condition overall.

Dimensions: Height: 1 1/4 inches (3.17 centimeters)

Provenance:  Dr Benson Harer private collection