Egypten 1.11 :: Early writing and stonemasonry
- Object description
Stonemasonry developed rapidly during the Predynastic period. Small vessels made of all types of desert stone and rock became very popular during Naqada II. Even the hard and dense basalt was processed using simple drilling techniques and then polished by hand. Most stone vessels have been found empty but when placed in the graves, they would have contained makeup, ointments, scented oils, etc.
Writing was introduced around 3300 BC. The very first hieroglyphics were made up of short notes written on funerary ceramics placed in the royal tomb. The purpose of these first notes was not only to facilitate transportation and administration. Writing was always part of the royal and ritual sphere of life. The royal court quickly embraced writing. Two of the stone vessels shown in this display cabinet are examples of early hieroglyphics.
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