Stamp
Unknown Artist
ca. 1295–1070 B.C.
Medium
Limestone
Dimensions
L. 2.4 × W. 1.8 × H. 1.7 cm (15/16 × 11/16 × 11/16 in.)
Classification
Stamp, disk
Period
New Kingdom, Ramesside
Department
Egyptian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1915
Accession Number
15.3.702
Art Historical Context
This petite limestone stamp, dating to around 1295–1070 B.C., hails from Egypt's New Kingdom during the Ramesside period (Dynasties 19–20). Crafted by an unknown artist, it measures just 2.4 × 1.8 × 1.7 cm, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1915, it now resides in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Egyptian Art collection. In the height of Egypt's imperial power—think monumental temples and epic battles under pharaohs like Ramesses II—these stamps served practical purposes in daily administration. Likely used to imprint clay or wax seals on docume...