Ancient Potter's Handprint Found After 4,000 Years

A nearly 4,000-year-old handprint, discovered on an ancient Egyptian 'soul house,' is now on public display. This exceptionally well-preserved mark, left by the potter before the clay dried, provides a rare and intimate connection to the artisan who crafted the object. The 'soul house,' a structure designed to hold offerings in tombs, dates back to between 2055 and 1650 B.C.

The discovery was made by researchers at Cambridge's Fitzwilliam Museum, where the artifact is being exhibited. The 'Made in Ancient Egypt' exhibit aims to shed light on the lives of ancient craftspeople, who were often overlooked in historical records. By showcasing objects like this handprint, the museum seeks to present a more personal and vivid picture of these individuals.

Potters in ancient Egypt used readily available materials like Nile silt, but this accessibility also meant they held low social status. This particular handprint, however, transcends the utilitarian nature of the artifact, offering a direct link to the moment of its creation and the person behind it, humanizing history.