Golden Strainer from Bubastis

Wine services do not seem to have a long history in Egypt, but appear to have been introduced in the New Kingdom when wine-drinking became a feature of elite society in the Ramesside Period. This gold strainer is intended for a wine service, removing sediment from the beverage as it is poured out of jugs, jars or flasks into bowls, goblets or situlae for drinking. The strainer indicates that most if not all of the Tell Basta vessels belonged to just such a wine service, certainly a very special one associated with a temple festival.

New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, reign of Ramesses II, ca. 1279-1213 BC. From Temple of Bastet, ancient cache, Tell Basta (Bubastis). Now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 30.8.369