Bowl with fish décor

Decorating pottery with fish and plant motifs was very popular, and on this bowl it is varied in an unusual way: the three bodies of the fish are carefully arranged so that they all share one head, which is still individually associated with each fish. This type of trout (tilapia) is a mouthbrooder and was thus recognised by ancient Egyptians as a symbol of rebirth. It was therefore often portrayed on pottery belonging to tomb equipment.