Egyptian potter's handprint found on 4,000-year-old clay artefact

The rarity will be displayed at Fitzwilliam Museum

- BY ALEX ABRAHAM Senior Associate Editor

A rare handprint left by an ancient Egyptian potter has been discovered on a 4,000-year-old clay artefact, British researchers revealed on Monday.

The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge announced that the imprint was found on the base of a “soul house” — a clay offering tray shaped like a building — believed to have been used in tombs to present food offerings or as dwellings for the dead.

The artefact, dated between 2055-1650BC, was being prepared for display in the museum’s upcoming exhibition, Made in Ancient Egypt, when the discovery was made.