Vessel with Two Feet

Time for a very weird Ancient Egyptian item. We hope it will make you smile!  :)

Today we present a tall vessel with an oval, almost body-like shape, a somewhat elongated neck with an everted rim, and a pair of narrow curving handles that spring from the oblique shoulder to the neck. The lower portion of the vessel splits into two legs with well-modeled feet. Details such as ankle bones and the arch of each foot are rendered by modeled forms rather than incised lines. The overall effect is that of a wine or waterskin rather than a ceramic vessel. It is likely that this association was intentional; the light porous ceramic body of the vessel allows water to evaporate slowly through the sides, thus slightly cooling the remaining contents.

It looks very modern don't you think?

If you feel a bit confused with this masterpiece, check out our How to Look At Art free online course. I think it will answer your questions!  :)

P.S. Another marvel of the ancient world are Cycladic figurines, or idols, that look suspiciously modern!  :)