HA281441 – Calcite Jar, Egypt; Tarkhan, Naqada III-Dynasty1; 3200BCE-2890BCE

Part of the One Minute Wonders trail, a story written by one of our volunteers, inspired by objects on display.

By Alex Alexander

This beautiful calcite (limestone) jar has small holes on either side, possibly to insert something to hang it from or to hold it by.

How old do you think it is? How big do you think it is? What do you think it was used for?

This tiny, 3000-year-old jar was found in a grave in Tarkham, Egypt, during an excavation in 1912. Flinders Petrie led an excavation of approx. 2000 graves, most belonging to ordinary people. Egyptians were often buried with goods for use in the afterlife.

I wonder what else was buried with this person? Jewellery? Small statues of gods? Or more practical things?