In ancient Egypt, groups of objects were buried at specific points, such as the corners of buildings, during foundation rituals to mark the construction of temples and tombs. This is similar to the symbolic ground-breaking ceremonies at the beginning of the construction of modern buildings. These ‘foundation deposits’ were deliberately chosen to symbolically ensure the effectiveness and longevity of the building. They included faience plaques in the form of sacrificed animals, model tools, pottery and basketry. Faience plaques with the name of the pharaoh in a cartouche, such as this fine example, were also buried in the foundation deposit now serving as a useful dating tool.
Psamtik II, known by the Graeco-Romans as Psammetichus or Psammeticus, was a ruler of the Saite-based Twenty-sixth Dynasty of Egypt (595 BC – 589 BC). Best known for his successful expedition against the Kingdom of Kush, Egypt’s southern neighbour, he also proved to be a prolific builder in his brief 6-year reign. Psamtik II was responsible for founding the Temple-house at Hibis in El-Kharga Oasis for the triad of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu with significant installations for the cult of Osiris.
