Fishtail Knife
Blades such as this one were included in burials throughout the Predynastic Period.The cutting edge is the V-shaped notch. Although the implement's exact purpose is unknown, there is persua-sive evidence that it was used at birth to cut the umbilical cord and was placed in the grave to assist its owner's rebirth into the afterlife.
A similar instrument was used throughout Egyptian history in the funerary rite known as the "Opening of the Mouth": touched to the mouth of the deceased's mummy or statue, it symboli-cally restored the individual's capability of independent existence. In addition to the implement, this model set also contains replicas of the vessels with which the newly revived spirit was of-fered milk (a baby's first source of nourishment), salt water (used for cleansing), and fresh water.
A similar instrument was used throughout Egyptian history in the funerary rite known as the "Opening of the Mouth": touched to the mouth of the deceased's mummy or statue, it symboli-cally restored the individual's capability of independent existence. In addition to the implement, this model set also contains replicas of the vessels with which the newly revived spirit was of-fered milk (a baby's first source of nourishment), salt water (used for cleansing), and fresh water.
Artwork Details
- Title: Fishtail Knife
- Period: Predynastic, Naqada II
- Date: ca. 3650–3300 B.C.
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Flint
- Dimensions: L. 5.8 x 0.8 x 15.7 cm (2 5/16 x 5/16 x 6 3/16 in.)
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1916
- Object Number: 16.2.4
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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ca. 2124–1580 B.C.
ca. 2124–1580 B.C.
ca. 2124–1580 B.C.
ca. 2124–1580 B.C.
ca. 2124–1580 B.C.
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