Description: A marble doughnut-shaped macehead with central hour-glass perforation, some encrustation on one side, but a nice example.
Size: 37 mm/1.5 ins. high and 60 mm/2.4 ins. in diameter
Culture: Egyptian
Date: Predynastic to Early Dynastic Period, c. 4000-3000 B.C.
Provenance: Ex Scottish private collection.
Notes: Maceheads were used as weapons and in ceremonies and there are a number of depictions showing kings smiting enemies with maceheads. They are not uncommon in Predynastic/Early Dynastic graves but their small size suggests a ritual or symbolic purpose rather than practical use. Maceheads may either have been attached to a leather thong or mounted on a wooden shaft.
