An inscribed bone fragment, probably Near East or North Africa, circa 9th/10th century
Auction Closed
March 31, 12:40 PM GMT
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
the bone of slightly curved natural form, polished, carved with an inscription and darkened section, punctured circular grooves
3 by 18.5cm.
inscriptions
'blessing to its owner'
The inscription, with its talismanic properties, points to an amuletic purpose for this bone fragment. The use of bone as a writing tool was common in the region as paper was not introduced into Sub-Saharan Africa until the nineteenth century. No other examples are known, this piece thus represents a rare opportunity to further understand an area that is little studied.
'blessing to its owner'
The inscription, with its talismanic properties, points to an amuletic purpose for this bone fragment. The use of bone as a writing tool was common in the region as paper was not introduced into Sub-Saharan Africa until the nineteenth century. No other examples are known, this piece thus represents a rare opportunity to further understand an area that is little studied.