Ancient Egyptian Saw (Ceremonial?) [Possibly a Sword]

Ceremonial Saw in the Shape of a Maat-Feather

The unusual shape of this saw’s handle is a reproduction of a Ma`at -feather (an ostrich plume signifying “truth”). This shape suggests that the saw was used for ceremonial purposes, such as preparing meat for sacrifice to a god.

Medium: Bronze

Place Made: Egypt

Dates: ca. 1353-1336 B.C.E.

Dynasty: XVIII Dynasty

Period: New Kingdom

Dimensions: 12 3/8 x 1 5/8 in. (31.5 x 4.2 cm) (show scale)

Collections: Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Museum Location: This item is on view in Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor

Accession Number: 65.133

Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund

Rights Statement: Creative Commons-BY

Caption: Ceremonial Saw in the Shape of a Maat-feather, ca. 1353-1336 B.C.E. Bronze, 12 3/8 x 1 5/8 in. (31.5 x 4.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 65.133. Creative Commons-BY

Source: www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/objects/3740/Ceremonial_Saw_in_the_Shape_of_a_Maat-feather#