Drilling a Stone Vase, Tomb of Rekhmire 1425 BC

This image, from the Tomb of Rekhmire, shows a stone vase being drilled in ancient Egypt. The picture is a window into the labor-intensive processes used to create functional and decorative objects. Look closely and you’ll see a craftsman using what appears to be a bow drill. This tool requires immense physical effort and skill to bore into the stone. The vase itself is depicted with intricate detail, suggesting its value as a luxury item. The image highlights the social context of production. Stone vases like this would have been commissioned by wealthy patrons, their creation dependent on the labor of skilled artisans. Consider the time and dedication required to produce such an object, a testament to human ingenuity and the hierarchical structure of ancient Egyptian society. This challenges conventional notions of fine art by illustrating the value of the crafted object and labor required in its production.