Double Ointment Vase with 2 Monkeys and a Lid in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, May 2011

Title: Ointment vessel in the shape of two baboons holding a jar

Period: Middle Kingdom–Second Intermediate Period

Dynasty: Dynasty 13–17

Date: ca. 1800–1550 B.C.

Geography: From Egypt; Said to be from Northern Upper Egypt, Girga (Thinis)

Medium: Anhydrite

Dimensions: H. 9.8 cm (3 7/8 in)

Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1912

Object Number: 12.182.77a–d

The monkey on the left is hollowed out to serve as a second vase. Its head is separate, and the lid is missing. Analyses have shown the presence of conifer resin as an admixture to the ointment in both parts of the vase. In the right vase traces of juniper or cypress resin were also detected, and the left jar contained beeswax in addition to the resin.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/544036