Pesesh-kef Knife
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
This instrument was touched to the mummy’s mouth during the ritual called the “Opening of the Mouth.” The ritual ensured that the deceased became fully alive in the tomb and in the afterlife. This example, from Egyptian prehistory, is similar to those used for thousands of years during Egyptian funerals.
MEDIUM
Obsidian
DATES
ca. 3300–3100 B.C.E.
PERIOD
Predynastic Period, Naqada III Period
DIMENSIONS
3 1/2 x 1/4 x 6 1/2 in. (8.9 x 0.6 x 16.5 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
35.1445
CREDIT LINE
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Black obsidian instrument, either a forked lance or a peseshkef – wand. Edges finely serrated. Probably a ceremonial object.
Condition: Broken and assembled from two pieces. Each side of base and top chipped. Probably ritual breakage.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Pesesh-kef Knife, ca. 3300–3100 B.C.E. Obsidian, 3 1/2 x 1/4 x 6 1/2 in. (8.9 x 0.6 x 16.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 35.1445. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 35.1445_front_PS2.jpg)
IMAGE
front, 35.1445_front_PS2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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