Mirror

Near Akko, a cemetery was discovered consisting of five tombs dug into the sand. In one of the tombs three individuals were buried. The tomb contained an exceedingly rich array of burial gifts, including bronze objects, local pottery as well as Greek and Cypriot imports, cylinder seals, gold beads, and so forth. Among the bronze objects was a mirror, the most beautiful ever to come to light in this country.The mirror and the handle were cast separately. The disk was inserted into a groove in the handle by means of a short tang and is secured with a rivet. An attempt to correct the poor fit was made by inserting an additional bronze wedge. A few fibers still adhere to the handle. Examination has shown that these are remains of a woollen fabric in which the mirror may have been wrapped.The handle is shaped in the form of a nude female figure. Above her head is the spreading papyrus umbel with incisions indicating the papyrus bud. The elaborate wig framing the girl's face consists of three braids at the back of the head and side sections falling forward over each shoulder. The figure wears a three-strand necklace. Her right hand rests at her side while her left hand supports her breasts.This type of mirror type with a handle in the form of a young girl is typical of the Egyptian New Kingdom and the mirror shown here may indeed originated in Egypt. In addition to their utiltarian value, mirrors were important as a symbol of life. In fact, the hieroglyph ankh ("life") was also used for mirrors. In capturing the image of the deceased, mirrors may have been thought to be preserves of the soul.