Overview

• Detailed material analyses have authenticated the mark as the earliest complete palm impression from ancient Egypt.
• Conservator Helen Strudwick uncovered the handprint this July while preparing the piece for the Made in Ancient Egypt exhibition.
• The impression is preserved on a Middle Kingdom clay “house of the soul” model built with a wooden frame and clay overlay between 2055 and 1650 BC.
• After decades unnoticed in storage, the funerary miniature will headline the Fitzwilliam Museum’s Made in Ancient Egypt show opening October 3.
• The rare personal imprint sheds new light on ancient artisan techniques and underscores the value of curatorial review in revealing hidden artifacts.