Two Inscribed Middle Kingdom Oyster Shells from Esna: Reconstructing Their Archaeological Context

This paper examines two inscribed Middle Kingdom oyster shells from Esna (IMJ 76.19.198, National Museums Liverpool, World Museum 1977.110.1). The current location of these two oyster shells since their discovery during the excavations by J. Garstang in 1905-06 was unknown until D. Downes tracked down and identified National Museums Liverpool, World Museum 1977.110.1 almost seventy years later. IMJ 76.19.198 was identified by the author. These two shells were not listed in the study of H. Winlock, so two new oyster shells can now be added to the list of well-documented excavations. This article reviews their known archaeological contexts.