18th Egyptian Dynasty, Drilling a Stone Vase, c1504–1425 BCE

A facsimile of the New Kingdom wall painting 'Drilling a Stone Vase' from Rekhmire's tomb (TT 100) in Ancient Thebes provides unprecedented insight into ancient Egyptian craftsmanship, materials, and ergonomics. Painted by Nina de Garis Davies in 1929, this tempera-on-paper reproduction captures the original's dimensions, colors, and texture with meticulous accuracy. The painting depicts a craftsman using a crank drill to perforate a stone vase, offering rare evidence of drilling techniques dating back to the 3rd Dynasty. Analysis reveals traditional artistic conventions in human representation, pigment sourcing (e.g., arsenic sulphides for yellow), and tool design, including the transition from bagged to solid ballast drills. Additionally, the facsimile highlights the tomb's historical significance as a visual record of Rekhmire's administrative role during Egypt's 18th Dynasty, showcasing diverse crafts and hieroglyphic texts that document ancient Egyptian society and labor practices.

Nicholson, P. J. (2022). 18th Egyptian Dynasty, Drilling a Stone Vase, c1504–1425 BCE. Occupational Medicine, 72(9), 595–597. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqac063