Embalmer's Swab

Unknown

664–332 B.C. · Palm wood, linen, natron · Egyptian Art

Discovered in a cache of embalming eqiupment in the Theban necropolis, this swab consists of a palm stick with a wad of linen textile twisted around one end. The rag is oily and caked with natron, and was very likely used during the embalming process.

Artist

Unknown

Date

664–332 B.C.

Medium

Palm wood, linen, natron

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1931