Description: Fragment from the rim and upper body of what was probably a blue faience libation jar (drop jar; situla); however without the lower portion of the vessel the identification is provisional. Sherd is very thick and decorated in black on outer surface with a band of petals above a band of mandrake fruits outlined in black lines with a single black line below the mandrake band. Top of rim has black lines or ticks at regular intervals around the circumference. Joins ECM 23 on proper right. The 2 fragments make just over half of the rim of the vessel which had a mouth diametre of about 13cm.
Collectors Marks: 139 written in ink on back of sherd.
Cultural Significance: the libation jar, also known as a drop jar or situla, is a standard ritual vessel for pouring liquids. In the New Kingdom, examples are known in ceramic, metal, alabaster, and faience; many with royal inscriptions. Some were reused in the Third Intermediate and Late Period as Canopic Jars.
Comparanda: Louvre E11094 note particularly vessel decoration of cat. 4a in Barbotin & Leblanc which is very similar to ECM example but without the ticked rim; F. Petrie & G. Brunton, Sedment II, Pl LXVI.7 and p. 33; UCL UC19199; also compare with ECM 14-22 which is a lighter, thinner-walled, vessel.

Notes:  For discussion of this type of libation jar see C. Barbotin & C. Leblanc, Les Monuments d'Eternite de Ramses II, Nouvelles fouilles thebaines, Quatre situles au nom de Ramses II, pp. 25-30, 1999.

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