An Egyptian Faience Senet Gaming Piece, New Kingdom, ca. 1550 - 1069 BCE

Of conical form, this piece was made from green faience and used in Senet, a Ludo-like game. Playing senet and wagering on its outcome was a favorite leisure-time activity for the ancient Egyptians. The great popularity of this backgammon-like game can be measured by the enormous quantity of evidence for it that has survived from all periods of Egyptian history.  Although for centuries it seems to have been just a simple diversion, by Dynasty 18, Senet was reconceptualized to become a symbol of the struggle to obtain immortality.

Dimensions:  Height: 7/8 inch (2.2 cm)

Condition: Traces of antique collection sticker on base, intact and in very good condition overall.

Provenance: Private NYC collection, ex. CT collection, ex. John N. Winnie, Jr. collection, Georgia, 1980’s-90’s.