Ostrakon
Pottery fragments with ink inscriptions are called Ostraka. Written in Greek, ostraka represent a Hellenized and elite Christian community in Kharga. This wooden tablet contains a Homeric reference from the Iliad on one side: The tutor of Achilles, Phoinix, and a Trojan archer, Pandaros, are both mentioned. Although the line is fragmentary, these characters are in books 9 and 4 of the Iliad, respectively. A school text on the other side, which suggests that the tablet was used to practice and teach Greek grammar.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ostrakon
- Date: 4th–7th century
- Geography: Made in Kharga Oasis, Byzantine Egypt
- Culture: Coptic
- Medium: Wood with ink inscription
- Dimensions: Overall: 7/8 x 3 1/8 x 1/8 in. (2.3 x 8 x 0.3 cm)
- Classification: Woodwork
- Credit Line: Museum Accession
- Object Number: X.608.1
- Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters
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Roman/Byzantine
200–500
Coptic
600
Coptic
580–640
Coptic
580–640
Coptic
580–640
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