Advanced Search 
Fish-tail knife
Egyptian
Predynastic Period
Nagada II, 3500–3200 B.C.
Findspot: Egypt, Mesaid, Mes / 825
Medium/Technique
Flint
Dimensions
Height x width: 13.5 x 7.5 cm (5 5/16 x 2 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition
Accession Number13.3915
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Knives, blades, scrapers
DescriptionPressure-flaked, fishtail, bifurcated knife that probably served a ritual function in funerary ceremonies. Very finely and evenly chipped on edges. The lower portion was once covered by a wooden or ivory haft. U-shaped fork, tan-red flint.
ProvenanceFrom Mesaid (Mesa'eed) tomb 825 [M/825]. 1913: excavated by the Harvard University-Museum of Fine Arts Expedition; 1913: assigned to the MFA by the government of Egypt.