Egyptian Travertine, Cylindrical Jar

This travertine (Egyptian alabaster) jar is carved using the veins in the stone to create bands around the body of the vessel. It has a flared rim, stepped base and may have been lidded. Travertine is found in small deposits across the Nile valley and in the Early Period was used in pavements and wall linings of temple passages. Travertine was also used in a wide range of canopic jars, statues, bowls and dishes.