Art Resource - ART200515

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Calcite headrest, Egyptian, Old Kingdom, c2350 BC. This headrest is quite simple and austere, as was often the case with objects of Old Kingdom date. It has decorative fluting on the sides of the shaft and the surface of the stone is smoothed, but not highly polished. Egyptian headrests were the same basic shape throughout their long history. They were often made of wood, but could also be made of stone, like this example. However, it is likely that most stone headrests were made solely for use in the Afterlife and were not intended for everyday use. These were placed close to the head of the mummy within the tomb, either on top of the coffin, or within it. In this context they were supposed to protect the head from being severed from the body after death - quite a real threat, as tomb-robbers often destroyed the mummy in their search for amulets and jewellery.
EA, 29913

Location British Museum/London/Great Britain

Unique Identifier ART200515

Type Image

Purpose Public

Size 1220px × 1600px

Photo Credit Erich Lessing / Art Resource, NY

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