Tile
c. 2686 BC - c. 2649 BC
Place of origin |
Thousands of tiles of this type were found at the Step Pyramid complex of Saqqara. Originally, they lined the walls of the galleries under the pyramid, and also in the complex known as the Southern Tomb. The tiles were laid in rows between limestone ledges; it is believed that this arrangement was intended to imitate the appearance of reed matting which might perhaps have covered walls of houses at this time. Many tiles are marked on the back with signs, possibly manufacturing or construction marks.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Glazed composition |
Brief description | Tile, blue glazed composition, Step Pyramid complex, Saqqara, Egypt, Old Kingdom, Dynasty Three |
Physical description | Blue glazed composition tile. The under-side is moulded with a smaller rectanglular tenon, pieced laterally for stringing multiple tiles together. There are traces of salt encrustation across the surface. |
Dimensions |
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Styles | |
Marks and inscriptions |
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Credit line | Given by the Department of Antiquities, Egyptian Government. |
Summary | Thousands of tiles of this type were found at the Step Pyramid complex of Saqqara. Originally, they lined the walls of the galleries under the pyramid, and also in the complex known as the Southern Tomb. The tiles were laid in rows between limestone ledges; it is believed that this arrangement was intended to imitate the appearance of reed matting which might perhaps have covered walls of houses at this time. Many tiles are marked on the back with signs, possibly manufacturing or construction marks. |
Collection | |
Accession number | C.91-1926 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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