Egyptian model of a farmer ploughing
Painted wooden model of a farmer ploughing the soil with a pair of oxen.
Loaned From: The British Museum
Painted Wood
circa 1900 BCE
Egypt
The British Museum
Details
Culture/Civilisation
Ancient Egypt
Theme
Agriculture and Surplus
Subtheme
Farming, Food and Surplus
Case Title
The Ploughing Revolution
Display Location
Coomaraswamy Hall
Measurements
22.5 x 44.5 x 17.7 cm
Accession Number
EA 52947
Description
For thousands of years, ploughs and cattle have fed much of the world. They are still an essential part of farming in many countries, including India and Egypt. Ploughs pulled by animals loosen hard soil, and their dung greatly increases the fertility of the land. In both Egypt and India, cows became sacred. In Egypt, this ploughman and his oxen were placed in a tomb, to ensure food supply in the afterlife.
