Funerary Cone of Min
Unknown Artist
ca. 1479–1425 B.C.
Medium
Pottery
Dimensions
Preserved L. 8.6 cm (3 3/8 in.); diam. 7.6 cm (3 in.)
Classification
Cone, circular impression, Min, scribe, overseer, priest, Osiris, oasis, TT 109
Period
New Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Herbert E. Winlock, 1909
Accession Number
09.185.24a
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into the sun-baked tombs of ancient Thebes with the *Funerary Cone of Min*, humble yet poignant artifact from Egypt's New Kingdom, Dynasty18 (ca. 1479–1425 B.C.). Crafted from pottery, this small cone—measuring just 8.6 cm long and 7.6 cm in—was designed to be embedded above a tomb entrance, like a ancient "do not disturb" sign for eternity. Its shape mimics offering loaves, symbolizing endless provisions for the deceased's spirit, or *ka*. Inscribed with hieroglyphs, the cone names Min, likely the tomb owner, and invokes blessings from passersby to provide food and drink forever—a commu...