<em>Two Halves of a Knife Handle</em>, ca. 1294–1279 B.C.E. Bronze, copper, gold, 2 1/16 x 4 13/16 in. (5.3 x 12.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 49.167a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 49.167_front_PS1.jpg)

Two Halves of a Knife Handle, ca. 1294–1279 B.C.E. Bronze, copper, gold, 2 1/16 x 4 13/16 in. (5.3 x 12.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 49.167a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 49.167_front_PS1.jpg)

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Two Halves of a Knife Handle

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: 19th Dynasty to Roman Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

These two halves of a knife handle inscribed with the names of Seti I reflect Asiatic designs introduced to Egypt by the Hyksos sometime before Dynasty XVIII (circa 1539–1295 B.C.). The shape is characteristic of the grips of sickle-shaped Hyksos blades, and the spiral motif is found or. countless Hyksos scarabs. The intricate craftsmanship and the use of gold, which is not a durable metal, suggest that the knife had a ceremonial, not a practical, function. In fact, the knife may have been given to Seti I at his coronation. Two wall reliefs at his temple at Abydos depict the gods Amun-Re and Horus presenting him with an identically shaped knife as a divine guarantee of unending sovereignty. The decoration of the ends of the handle with lotus and papyrus blossoms, the heraldic plants of southern and northern Egypt respectively, further indicates that the knife was connected with a kingship ritual.

MEDIUM Bronze, copper, gold

Place Made: Egypt

DATES ca. 1294–1279 B.C.E.

DYNASTY Dynasty 19

PERIOD New Kingdom

DIMENSIONS 2 1/16 x 4 13/16 in. (5.3 x 12.3 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 49.167a-b

CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view on the 19th Dynasty to Roman Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

CAPTION Two Halves of a Knife Handle, ca. 1294–1279 B.C.E. Bronze, copper, gold, 2 1/16 x 4 13/16 in. (5.3 x 12.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 49.167a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 49.167_front_PS1.jpg)

IMAGE front, 49.167_front_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2005

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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