A 4,000-year-old handprint was discovered in a clay model used for offerings in ancient Egyptian tombs.
Researchers at the Fitzwilliam Museum at the University of Cambridge in the UK came across an imprint while preparing for an exhibition scheduled to open this fall.
According to a press release from the museum, it was discovered at the root of the “Soul House,” a clay model in the shape of a building commonly found in burials and is said to have provided a place for the soul to live.
This model has open space in the front where food offerings such as bread, lettuce and beef heads can be placed.
Back from 2055 to 1650 BC, Seoul House underwent extensive inspections revealing how it was made 4,000 years ago.
It showed that an unnamed potter first created a wooden stick framework for a two-storey building, which was coated with clay. The firing process would have burned the wood.
The bill was below The Seoul House was most likely formed when the model was moved while the clay was still wet and moved the model before it was fired at the kiln.
“We have found traces of fingerprints left over the co in wet varnishes and decorations, but finding the perfect handprint under this soul house is rare and exciting.”
“This was left by the manufacturer that touched the clay before it dries,” she said in the release. “I have never seen such a perfect handprint on an Egyptian object before. Imagine the person who made this, I can pick it up and dry it out before I get rid of it from the workshop and fire it.”
“Things like this take you directly to the moment the object was created and the person who created it.
A huge amount of pottery has survived since ancient Egypt, as ceramics were widely used in functional objects and ornaments. Ceramics containing food and drinks were commonplace in burials.
While much is known about ancient Egyptian rulers like Tutankhamun, the stories of those who made some of the many artifacts discovered in tombs are often overlooked.
According to the museum, the ready availability of clay and the low value of pottery are likely to have influenced the social status of potters.
The Seoul House will be exhibited at the Cambridge Museum as part of an exhibition “made in ancient Egypt.” It will open on October 3rd.
