Netting Tool or Loom Weight

Limestone flattened ovate block with crossed vertical and horizontal grooves to support a cord once wrapped around the stone. Could have been used as a net-sinker for fishing or perhaps a net used for catching birds. Although not like usual pierced examples the excavator considered it may have been used as a loom weight (see two examples in Bolton Museum and Art Gallery described as loom weights: no. 30.24.35) Excavated by the Egypt Exploration Society in 1929 (find no. 29/144): from House U36.47 in the North Suburb of Amarna.