This knife provides a glimpse into the agricultural practices of Roman-era Egypt. Designed with a slightly curved blade, its purpose was to delicately cut grape clusters from vines. The Karanis collection includes various agricultural implements and processing...
This limestone statue has the face of a falcon and body of a crocodile, representing the god Soknopaios. Soknopaios was an important creator deity for the Egyptians, whose name means “Sobek of Dimeh in the Fayum.” Crocodile deities were popular throughout...
This faience amulet exhibits Bes in a vigilant pose. With a blend of human and leonine features, Bes wears a feathered headdress and squats with his hands resting on his knees, leaving his phallus exposed. A hole through the amulet’s head suggests its use as a...
A relief fragment made of limestone that depicts the Egyptian god Serapis. The worship of Serapis was made popular by Ptolemy I Soter, and Serapis is often associated with the god Osiris-Apis. Serapis was further Hellenized to correspond to Zeus by Greek traders and...
This painted jar, dating from the late Roman period to the beginning of the Byzantine period, offers a glimpse into the material culture of ancient Egypt. The most captivating feature of the jar is a wide band that spans the main body. It is divided into five...
This small wooden top is an example of an “action toy” excavated from Karanis. Toys like this one, similar to designs today, developed children’s sensorimotor skills. The wooden top could have been used for either individualized play or in group...
