Gold Bowl of Wendjebauendjed

This golden bowl with rosette in center from the reign of King Psusennes I of the 21st Dynasty, is inscribed with the name of Wendjebauendjed, who was an army general of that period. The artifact is decorated in the center with a cloisonné, polychrome glass paste flower from which 23 grooves radiate.

It is thought that the central pattern represents the Unification of the Two Lands by combining the emblems of papyrus and lotus that are the two symbols of Upper and Lower Egypt. 

Wendjebauendjed was an ancient Egyptian general, high dignitary and high priest during the reign of pharaoh Psusennes I of the 21st Dynasty. He is mainly known for his intact tomb found by Pierre Montet inside the royal necropolis of Tanis (NRT III).

General Wendjebauendjed was not a royal blood character, but a high priest of Khonsu and Chief of King’s Archers. In addition, he was invested with the important title of Superior of the Prophets-of-all-Gods, which seemed to us to be the one of the Minister of Cults. It was King Psusennes I who raised him to these high positions.

One of his most curious titles was that of ‘Unique-in-the-praise-of-the-greats’, whose task was to present the incumbents to the king at awards ceremonies. This eminent relative of one of the first kings of the 21st Dynasty had the privilege of being buried close to the one he had served with honor and loyalty.

Third Intermediate Period, 21st Dynasty, reign of Psusennes I, ca. 1047-1001 BC. From Tomb NRT III, Tanis. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 87741