Ancient Egyptian lizard case from Naukratis

Copper alloy rectangular box, closed at one end, and open at the other. Through the open end was inserted the mummified or desicated remains of a lizard. This end was then sealed. On the top of the box, long the longest axis, is modelled a lizard, raised slightly, tail straight behind it and legs protruding from the sides of the body. A small raised loop is situated half way along the body. This box is corroded on the outer surfaces, and the over all outer colour is of a yellowish hue. There a small hole through the top of the box, near the modelled lizard’s tail, and a depression in front of the lizard’s head which has caused a partial tear in the metal. The box is filled with something. Perhaps still the remains of the lizard. But it is compacted hard.

Ancient Egyptian lizard case from Naukratis

Object details

  • Reference: BOLMG:1886.31.67.c
  • Material: copper alloy
  • Excavator: E.A. Gardner W.M.F. Petrie
  • Object name: lizard case
  • Dimensions: Length: 51mm , Width: 23mm , Depth: 20mm
  • Published references: Petrie W M F Naukratis 1 1886
  • Site: Naukratis
  • Latitude: 30.901111
  • Longitude: 30.5925