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Storage Jar with Boats

Culture Egyptian
Title Storage Jar with Boats
Date 3600–3400 BCE
Medium Clay
Dimensions rim diameter: 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm)
Object: 8 × 6 in. (20.3 × 15.2 cm)
Overall: 8 × 6 in. (20.3 × 15.2 cm)
Credit Line Gift of Frederick Stafford, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University
Accession Number 59.45

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About this Work

This pot is a typical ware from the Naqada II culture. It probably comes from Upper Egypt, but it could also have been made in Nubia, a neighboring region of North Africa (modern Sudan). An early example of a vessel made from kiln-fired clay, it dates to a period when communities were turning to agriculture and forming settlements, but several centuries before kingdoms were established. The painted decoration presents distinct symbols. The frequent reappearance of these symbols on other pots from this area and period indicate that this decoration is related to the developing hieroglyphic writing system. Nautical references are common, including boats with oars and standards (or sails) and water—all of which appear in this example.


Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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"Storage Jar with Boats | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2024. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=59.45