Fishtail knife
Predynastic, Late Naqada l–Naqada II
Not on view
One of a group of three copper tools, this blade was found in a shallow grave, disturbed in antiquity, that contained the skeleton of a child, along with a number of additional grave goods (see 09.182.2-8). The shapes and sizes of the tools suggest that they served a ritual function.
In any society, status is conferred by either birth or achievement. Adults can acquire position through their own efforts, but children can possess wealth only through the efforts of adults. Although the highest elite in the Predynastic era were generally adult males, both women and children sometimes attained a significant status, as is clearly the case here.
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