Egypt, 2130-1600 BC, Limestone

This limestone offering slab was made during the Middle Kingdom of Ancient Egypt and would have been placed in a tomb or a temple. The two vessels in the center of the slab are hes vases, or traditional Egyptian libation vessels. Real food and drink would be offered on the slab, but these depictions of the libation vessels offer a “back-up plan” in case the proper offerings were not made. The Egyptians believed that the soul or ka of the deceased could use images of food to gain nourishment when that person went on to their second life after death. The deceased person would need the same provisions in their second life as they needed in their first. Family members and priests would put food and drink on the offering slab because Egyptians felt that the dead should be provided for. The offering slab was essential for the deceased in the after-life.