Ostracon with incised numbers
This pottery sherd comes from a mold in which the ancient Egyptians baked flat loaves of bread. It was later broken, and used as "note paper," probably during construction of Perneb's tomb. Roughly incised on its surface are a series of numbers (strokes for 1 and an upside-down V to indicate 10), most likely some sort of account.
Artwork Details
- Title: Ostracon with incised numbers
- Period: Old Kingdom
- Dynasty: Dynasty 5
- Reign: reign of Isesi–Unis
- Date: ca. 2381–2323 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt, Memphite Region, Saqqara, Tomb of Perneb, MMA excavations, 1913–14
- Medium: Pottery
- Dimensions: H. 15.5 × W. 27.5 cm (6 1/8 in., 27.5 cm)
- Credit Line: Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1913
- Object Number: 13.183.5
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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