By Alimat Aliyeva
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have uncovered a remarkable 4,000-year-old handprint, believed to belong to an ancient Egyptian, Azernews reports.
According to the BBC, the discovery was made by curators while preparing for a new exhibition featuring a clay model known as the "House of Spirits," which was used in ancient Egyptian funeral rituals. The model, dating back to 2055-1650 BC, resembles the shape of a traditional Egyptian house.
Helen Strudwick, the chief Egyptologist at the Fitzwilliam Museum, described the find as both rare and fascinating. "We typically find fingerprints on low-drying varnish or on coffins, but this is the first time we've encountered such a complete and clear handprint. This print was left by someone before the clay even had a chance to dry," she said. "It’s unlike anything we've seen on an Egyptian artifact before."
The handprint, which offers an intriguing glimpse into the ancient world, will be showcased in an upcoming exhibition at the Fitzwilliam Museum, opening on October 3.
What makes this discovery particularly exciting is the possibility that the handprint could belong to an artisan or a priest involved in the creation of this ceremonial object, offering a rare, personal connection to ancient Egyptian culture. The fact that it was left before the clay had dried suggests the maker’s direct involvement in the craft, potentially offering clues about their role in these sacred rituals.
This find adds another layer to our understanding of ancient Egyptian funeral practices, where personal markings like handprints may have held symbolic or spiritual significance, representing the maker's presence and contribution to the afterlife journey.
