"Opening of the Mouth" vessel of Perneb

Unknown

ca. 2381–2323 B.C. · Dark stone · Egyptian Art

An essential rite performed during the funeral ceremonies was the "Opening of the Mouth." Thought to have evoked the rituals carried out at the birth of a child, this served to restore the senses of the newly deceased (resident in spirit within the mummified body or a statue), so that he or she could once again breathe, speak, eat, drink, see, and hear. This vessel is part of a set used for this ceremony. It would have held milk, or salt or fresh water (see also 14.7.30; 14.7.92; and 14.7.93). For a complete set of implements for this ritual, see 07.228.117a-h.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 2381–2323 B.C.

Medium

Dark stone

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1914