Miniature clay vessel from Tomb of Perneb

Almost 400 miniature pottery vessels were found during the clearing of Perneb’s tomb, the majority in the rubble fill of the interior chambers and shafts, with the rest picked up around the outside. It is likely that these came originally from the above-ground chapel, as they would have been used for the offering cult. Since this cult would have been celebrated repeated over time, large numbers of these vessels accumulated around the tomb. Mass-produced, they do have some interior volume and might have held small amounts of liquids or solid foodstuffs such as grain. Perneb could thus have partaken magically in whatever types of food and drink were offered.

The shapes of these jars and bowls bear more resemblance in some cases to earlier vessels than to receptacles in daily use during Perneb's era. This example tapers inward from the lip, then flares again near the foot.

Credit: Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1913