Restituted in June 2023 This work of art has been removed from the Museum's permanent collection. Learn more about The Met's collecting practices.
On loan to The Met The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Rectangular mortar
Not on view
This smoothly worked rectangular mortar has a raised edge around all four sides. Mortars were used for grinding many different substances, food as well as pigments and incense. The visually attractive material of this example, with its contrasting bands of color, suggests it was used for special materials rather than everyday food preparation. It has been proposed that a female figure (L.2023.22.1) associated with this mortar may have functioned as a pestle for it.
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This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
