Decorated Niche of Virgin Mary suckling the infant Jesus. Excavations at the Monastery of St. Jeremiah in Saqqara have yielded several niches that were pierced into the eastern walls of monks’ cells. Monks used these niches as spaces in which to pray. These niches bear Christian scenes showing the enthroned Jesus. Two niches are decorated with the Virgin Mary nursing the infant Jesus. She is depicted flanked by angels and saints. Dicovered at the Ancient Monastery of St.jeremiah in Saqqara in Giza, Egypt. Dates back to the 6th or 7th Century AD. Displayed in the Coptic Museum in Cairo, Egypt. #copticartifacts