The fourth box: Material from Lahun in the Collection of the Australian Institute of Archaeology

Abstract

In 1949, the Australian Institute of Archaeology (the Institute) received a large consignment of objects from Egypt and Tell el-’Ajjul. A recent audit of the Institute’s Egyptian collection drew upon the detailed packing lists prepared by Hilda Petrie, tags, packaging, and published excavation reports to ascertain the provenance of the material. Many small finds and much pottery from the Fayum site of Lahun were identified. This paper describes processes and practices adopted, the results of the investigation, and a sample of key objects. It appears that the Institute holds the largest collection of artefacts from Lahun in Australia, which can now add to our knowledge of the site and its excavation history.