Writing board of an apprentice scribe

Unknown

ca. 2030 B.C. · Wood, whitewash, ink · Egyptian Art

It is clear from the awkwardly formed hieroglyphs and their uneven spacing that this is the work of an apprentice scribe who was practicing his penmanship. The writing board could be used again and again by scraping or wiping off the ink and adding a new coat of whitewash. Another writing board in the collection shows corrections made in red ink.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 2030 B.C.

Medium

Wood, whitewash, ink

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1928