Pesesh-kef Knife
ca. 3300–3100 B.C.E.
1 of 4
Object Label
This instrument was touched to the mummy’s mouth during the ritual called the “Opening of the Mouth.” The ritual ensured that the deceased became fully alive in the tomb and in the afterlife. This example, from Egyptian prehistory, is similar to those used for thousands of years during Egyptian funerals.
Caption
Pesesh-kef Knife, ca. 3300–3100 B.C.E.. Obsidian, 3 1/2 x 1/4 x 6 1/2 in. (8.9 x 0.6 x 16.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 35.1445. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Pesesh-kef Knife
Date
ca. 3300–3100 B.C.E.
Period
Predynastic Period, Naqada III Period
Geography
Reportedly from: Akhmim, Egypt
Medium
Obsidian
Classification
Dimensions
3 1/2 x 1/4 x 6 1/2 in. (8.9 x 0.6 x 16.5 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
35.1445
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