"Opening of the Mouth" vessel of Perneb
Unknown Artist
ca. 2381–2323 B.C.
Medium
Travertine (Egyptian alabaster)
Dimensions
H: 8.4 cm (3 5/16 in.)
Classification
Vessel, "Opening of the Mouth", Perneb
Period
Old Kingdom
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1914
Accession Number
14.7.30
Art Historical Context
This delicate travertine (Egyptianaster) vessel, titled *"Opening of the Mouth" of Perneb*, dates to Egypt's Old Kingdom, Dynasty5 (ca. 238–2323 B.C Standing just 8.4 cm tall, it exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of ancient artisans during the era of grand pyramid construction. Perneb, a high-ranking official, likely commissioned such items for his funerary equipment, reflecting the elite's deep investment in the afterlife. The title refers to the "Opening of the Mouth", a pivotal funerary ceremony that symbolically activated statues or mummies, enabling the deceased to eat, drink, and br...