OBJECTS OF UNDETERMINED FUNCTION Six models(?) or fittings (218—22); see p. 310

Provenance

Standard early provenance.

Winlock was uncertain of the date as well as the provenance of the pieces, but considered them unfinished vessels

(1948: 53).

Current understanding

The objects are basically of two sizes; all have been drilled in the smaller, or “top” end. In the two largest examples, the “bottom” end is rounded, but on the smaller examples it is flattened and shows a drill mark, with core still in place. The stone is amethystine quartz with a certain amount of iron in it, hence there are reddish patches here and there, and there appears to be staining from ground substances following long burial (Stone). The stone is not high quality, although some fissures are presumably the result of stone working. Conchoidal fractures and peck marks on the surface, as well as the use of a tubular drill, indicate ancient workmanship, but little of the surface was ground (the most labor-intensive part of manufacture, according to Stone). The objects therefore seem to be in an intermediate stage, rejected because of the quality of the stone.

The objects appear weathered. Still, their use is not apparent, and their provenance unsure. If ancient, they are not respectable royal tomb items, seemingly more the product of a manufacturing site.

218  Tall unfinished object Fig. 234b (center)

MMA 26.8.25 (P 24).

Material Amethystine quartz.

Source Purchase, Fletcher Fund, 1919.

Dimensions H 6.6, Diam of hole 1.3.

Manufacture Drill hole in top off center; surface there is ground.

Bibliography Winlock 1948: pi. 38b (center).

219  Tall, thin unfinished object Fig. 234b (second from left)

MMA 26.8.24 (P 23).

Material Amethystine quartz.

Source Purchase, Fletcher Fund, 1919.

Dimensions H 6.4, Diam of hole 1.2.

Bibliography Winlock 1948: pi. 38b (second from left).

220  Thinnest unfinished object Fig. 234b (second from right)

MMA 26.8.26 (P 21).

Material Amethystine quartz.

Source Purchase, Fletcher Fund, 1919.

Dimensions H 4.75, Diam of hole i. o.

Manufacture The thinnest of the smaller type. Top surface polished. Bottom drilled, a little of core’s surface broken off.

Bibliography Winlock 1948: pi. 38b (second from right).

221  Short unfinished object Fig. 234b (left)

MMA 26.8.27 (P 22).

Material Amethystine quartz.

Source Purchase, Fletcher Fund, 1919.

Dimensions H 4.4, Diam of hole i. i.

Manufactuile Flole in top slightly off center; bottom as 220.

Bibliography Winlock 1948: pi. 38b (left).

222  Shortest unfinished object Fig. 234b (right)

MMA 26.8.28 (P 20).

Material Amethystine quartz.

Source Purchase, Fletcher Fund, 1919.

Dimensions H 4.3, Diam of hole i. i.

Manufacture Hole in top slightly off center; bottom surface of hole has tool marks. Bottom as 220. Bibliography Winlock 1948: pi. 38b (right).