Silver Jug with a Golden Goat Handle.

 

This jug looks like a pomegranate with a golden handle in the shape of a goat. The goat’s legs give the impression of movement. Around the jug is a decoration of hearts, perhaps as a sign of protection. After the hearts, there are hieroglyphic texts that may be magical spells for drinking or to purify the contents of the jug. It is inscribed for the “first royal cupbearer” and “envoy to all foreign countries” Atumemtaneb.

From Tell-Basta (Bubastis). The New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, reign of Ramesses II, ca. 1279-1213 BC. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo.