| Golden Powder Box | |
 |
|
| GoogleMap: | GSputnik |
| Characteristics: | |
A small gold box in the shape of two sea shells. It was found by M.Z.Goneim during the excavations of the pyramid of Sekhemkhet. Based on the fact of its discovery, it is attributed to the period of Sekhemkhet's life - 2645 BC. It is currently on display at the Cairo Museum.
In addition to the high skill of the ancient jewelers, the mechanism for fastening the casket's flaps is of interest. Visually, the fastening axis looks golden, but the diameter of the axis is less than a millimeter, and in the case of such a soft metal as gold, this axis would very quickly wear out or break. Obviously, for such purposes, a more durable material should be used, certain alloys, which the Egyptians did not yet have in the 26th century BC. It is not known whether a chemical analysis of the axis was carried out. There is also no information whether the box was found assembled or whether this axis is the result of a modern restoration. Until certainty emerges in these matters, this artifact is of interest from the point of view of high technology in antiquity. The latch on the box is also interesting. It is made in the form of two loops on both flaps, and thin gold loops were soldered to the flaps. The possibilities of soldering gold during the III Dynasty also raise doubts.
Info
Videos
0 videos
Photos