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Didier asks:

This alabaster artefact was part of a lot of genuine Egyptian ones.

The artefact (L: 4.8 cm; H: 1.7 cm) is crudely divided into 10 squares on one side, but the back is not engraved.

It has an irregular trapezoidal section (Max D 0.9 cm, Min D 0.6 cm).

Any ideas? Perhaps a weight (12.8 g) an inlay, or anything else?

Thanks.

From Hussam.

Probably a piece for sculpture teaching techniques , I handled an unfinished stone Khnum with this similar uniform lines on it's base , It was sculpturing model for teaching purposes. My opinion. All the best Hussam

Rather small for such purposes I'd think.

What was the approximate size of the one you mention?

From Hussam.

The piece I had is a big one, 20 cm long , and I as recall 10 cm in heigh

Aha. As I thought. This artefact Didier has is surely much too small to be a sculptor's practice piece.

From Dr Geoffrey A Smith.

Although a mini game board is possible, Hussam is most likely correct.

We have had similar larger ones 18th dynasty. The reverse was a face.

The student would draw a figure on this , measure sections and repeat on a larger scale.

From Hussam.

It's not possible for it to be a gaming piece, it has an irregular un-finished (raw) shape.

From Dr Geoffrey A Smith.

And another thought is pre measured work in progress for the creation of small figures.

Aldo asks what on earth is this.

Aldo also asks about this unusual fibula type:

Renate offers comments here>>>>