Vessel Lid (1975.1198.01)

A stone vessel lid carved from travertine, dating to the Naqada II to Early Dynastic Period (c. 3500–2650 BC). The main body forms a flattened, rounded cover with a shallow circular depression carved into the upper surface. The protruding neck and head form a handle, featuring small circular depressions carved on either side, perhaps designed to receive inlaid eyes. Opposite the head, a small, neatly drilled hole housed a pin or peg, enabling the lid to swivel horizontally across the rim of an underlying stone or ceramic container. While closely paralleled by Early Dynastic turtle-shaped vessel lids (cf. Metropolitan Museum of Art 1980.310), the rounded contours of the head and bill-like profile also admit the possibility that it represents a stylised water bird. The stone surface exhibits a buff, cream-grey patina with minor pitting.