In Egypt, archaeologists have found a handprint dating back approximately 4,000 years on an ancient burial artifact known as a "house of soul," which is a clay figurine shaped like a building. This discovery was reported by the BBC.
The handprint was identified by Helen Strudwick, an Egyptologist at the Fitzwilliam Museum, while preparing artifacts from the University of Cambridge for the upcoming exhibition titled "Made in Ancient Egypt," scheduled for October. The handprint is believed to have been made around 2055-1650 BCE.
According to Strudwick, the potter created a framework for the piece using wooden sticks, covered it with clay prior to firing, and then placed the item in the kiln. The handprint found on the bottom of the piece likely occurred when someone moved the figurine from the workshop for drying before firing.
"We have found finger traces left on wet lacquer or tomb decorations, but discovering a complete handprint on this 'house of soul' is both rare and exciting. I have never seen such a complete palm imprint on an Egyptian object," said the Egyptologist.
The exact purpose of "houses of soul" remains unclear. They were typically placed in tombs and are believed to have been used as platters for offerings or as symbolic spaces for the soul of the deceased to reside after burial. The front of these figurines typically had an area reserved for placing food.
The "Made in Ancient Egypt" exhibition focuses on the artisans of the ancient civilization. While much is known about Egypt's rulers, little information exists about the artists, jewelers, and potters who created these items. Therefore, scholars from Cambridge aim to shed more light on this aspect during the exhibition.
Earlier in July, several tombs from the Greco-Roman period were discovered in Egypt, including the burial site of a high-ranking official.
