Egyptian Middle Kingdom Oyster Shells with Royal Names

• Published in: Bulletin de l'Institut français d'archéologie orientale pp. 259 - 272
• Main Author: Ouda, Ahmed M. Mekawy
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: IFAO - Institut français d’archéologie orientale 08-06-2020
• Subjects: protège-poignet; mer Rouge; Sésostris III; MMA 23.2.76a; perle; Assouan; lin; Qubbet el-Hawa Aswan; Licht; oyster shell; Toutânkhamon; wrist guard; Tutankhamun; Sésostris I/Kheperkarê; linen; Gebelein; Amenemhat II; Senwosret I/Kheperkara; pearl; mummy-wrappings; Esna; poignard; dagger; Amenemhat II; Lisht; coquille d’huître; Sheikh Farag; pigment; Red Sea; Qoubbet el-Hawa; Senwosret III; bandelettes de momie
• ISSN: 0255-0962; 2429-2869
• DOI: 10.4000/bifao.1342

This paper examines the function, chronology, and gender issues of the Egyptian Middle Kingdom oyster shells, taking MMA 23.2.76a as a case-study. It presents a critical analysis for the early publication on the function and the gender of the owner, of this oyster shell and many others, based on a close investigation of this object. Furthermore, it investigates the archaeological context in which these oyster shells were found, presenting some unpublished materials from Sheikh Farag, collaborating with the published material from Lisht and Esna. It shows the relationships the oyster shells entertain with other objects of Late Middle Kingdom, e.g. shabtis and ivory tusks, and the absence of the wooden models, typical early Middle Kingdom objects.