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Middle Kingdom–Early New Kingdom
Ancient Egyptian scribes used burnishers to smooth the uneven surfaces of fresh sheets of papyrus. The sheets became shinier and absorbed less ink, which allowed the text to stand out more legibly.
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Title: Papyrus burnisher
Period: Middle Kingdom–Early New Kingdom
Dynasty: Dynasty 12, late-early 18 or later
Date: ca. 1800–1500 B.C. or later
Geography: From Egypt, Upper Egypt, Thebes, Khokha, Tomb MMA 828 (H4), Forecourt, in debris, MMA excavations 1911
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: L. 13.3 cm (5 1/4 in.)
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1915
Object Number: 15.10.134
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