Ancient Egypt, Old Kingdom, 3rd to 6th Dynasty, ca. 2686 to 2181 BCE. A hand-built terracotta bread mold of conical form bearing a natural russet hue across its surfaces. Egyptian bakers would first place their dough-filled molds into an oven for baking and then, once removed, break the molds open to remove the foodstuff. Technological advancements in the Middle Kingdom enabled bakers to remove bread without destroying the mold, so the repaired nature of this older example suggests it was found in its fragmentary state in situ and reassembled in modern times. Size: 5.25" W x 7.625" H (13.3 cm x 19.4 cm); 7.875" H (20 cm) on included custom stand.

Exhibited in the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA), California State University, San Bernardino from 1998 to 2023, reference number EL01.053.1998

Provenance: Collection of Dr. W. Benson Harer, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired in 1974; Exhibited in the Robert and Frances Fullerton Museum of Art (RAFFMA), California State University, San Bernardino from 1998 to 2023, reference number EL01.053.1998

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#179006

Fragment of a larger mold; repaired with chips and adhesive residue along break lines. Chips to rim and body, with expected pitting, and some stable hairline fissures stemming from repaired areas, otherwise in excellent condition. Great preservation to conical form.