Ancient Egyptian lizard case from Naukratis

Copper alloy rectangular box, originally closed at one end, and sealed at the other. Through the sealed end had been inserted the mummified or desicated remains of a lizard. The sealed end is intact, a small metal square has been fixed in place to the gap. However most of the other end is missing. On the top of the box, along the longest axis, is modelled a lizard, head raised slightly, tail straight behind it and legs protruding from the sides of the body. Part of the head may be missing of a small raised loop is situated on one edge of the box near the lizard’s head, and on the opposite edge near the lizard’s tail. This box is corroded on the outer surfaces. The over all outer colour is redish and green. The box is filled with something. Probably still the original contents, possibly the remains of the lizard. But it is compacted hard. There are white surface deposits and traces of a clear varnish like surface consolidant, perhaps modern.

Ancient Egyptian lizard case from Naukratis

Object details

  • Reference: BOLMG:1886.31.67.e
  • Material: copper alloy
  • Excavator: E.A. Gardner W.M.F. Petrie
  • Object name: lizard case
  • Dimensions: Length: 46mm , Width: 18mm , Depth: 16mm
  • Published references: Petrie W M F Naukratis 1 1886
  • Site: Naukratis
  • Latitude: 30.901111
  • Longitude: 30.5925