Potsherd, Ostracon
Country
Egypt
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Object detail
Description
Pottery ostracon. Rectangular shaped with curved cross section. On one side (convex) only, 20 lines of black script, possibly Coptic or Hieractic. Repurposed from a large straight sided, hand thrown jar, of mid brown fabric.
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY Egyptian
Production place
Measurements
L210mm x W110mm x D10mm
Media/Materials description
Clay
Pottery vessel made of fired clay, complete or fragmented
Inclusions (quartz) to make the clay less sticky, reduce shrinkage, increase resistance to thermal shock and strength prior to firing.
Pottery vessel made of fired clay, complete or fragmented
Inclusions (quartz) to make the clay less sticky, reduce shrinkage, increase resistance to thermal shock and strength prior to firing.
History and use
Ostracon is a term used by archaeologists to refer to sherds of pottery or fragments of limestone, which bear text or drawings. Ancient Egyptians wrote personal notes, letters, sketches or texts on these broken pottery sherds, which provided a cheaper and more durable alternative to papyrus. This ostracon was found at Elephantine Island.
Associated person
Registration number
E40043
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