The pottery votive artefact found by Labib Habachi on Elephantine Island

Between 1946 and 1947, Labib Habachi conducted archaeological excavations on Elephantine Island with the objective of excavating Heqaib’s sanctuary. During these excavations, Habachi unearthed some artefacts out of its surrounding areas, but he did not consider them substantial. Among these objects, there was a pottery oval artefact (No. 123) that was interpreted as a lamp by the Egyptologist. However, some reviews and recent studies of the area have raised some doubts about this object and its actual function. Therefore, this paper analyses the above¬ mentioned object and discusses Habachi’s proposal. In short, a votive function and a possible link with Khnum’s temple are suggested.