CAMBRIDGE DISCOVERY: 4,000-Year-Old Handprint Uncovered on Ancient Egyptian Artifact
In a groundbreaking find, researchers from Cambridge University’s Fitzwilliam Museum have unearthed a 4,000-year-old handprint on a clay model used for offerings in an Ancient Egyptian tomb. The discovery was made while preparing for an upcoming exhibition set to debut this fall.
The handprint was found on the base of a “soul house,” a building-shaped clay model commonly found in burials. These structures were believed to provide a dwelling place for the soul, with an open space for food offerings like bread, lettuce, or an ox’s head.
Experts suggest that the handprint belonged to the potter who crafted the soul house. It revealed the intricate process of creating the artifact, from constructing a framework of wooden sticks for the building to coating it with clay before firing in a kiln.
Senior Egyptologist Helen Strudwick expressed her excitement about the find, stating, “I have never seen such a complete handprint on an Egyptian object before. You can just imagine the person who made this, picking it up to move it out of the workshop to dry before firing.”
The artifact will be featured in the “Made in Ancient Egypt” exhibition at the Cambridge museum, shedding light on the stories of artisans from the past. The exhibition, opening on October 3, aims to showcase the often overlooked individuals behind the ancient Egyptian artifacts that have captivated the world.
While the history of ancient Egyptian rulers like Tutankhamun is well-documented, the contributions of artisans and craftsmen remain a mystery. Through discoveries like the handprint on the soul house, researchers hope to unveil the untold stories of those who played a crucial role in shaping ancient Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.
