Potsherd, Ostracon
Production date
Circa 3 CE
Country
Egypt
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Object detail
Description
Pottery ostracon, square in shape, writing on one side (convex) only, four lines of black Coptic or Hieractic inscription. Repurposed from a pottery jar with straight sides, of cream-mid brown fabric.
Classification
ARCHAEOLOGY Egyptian
Production date
Circa 3 CE
Production place
Measurements
L50mm x W57mm x D5mm
Media/Materials description
Clay (pottery)
Mineral
Mineral
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
E40046.1
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