These funerary cones were discovered in Thebes of Ancient Egypt. Constructed from cylindrical pottery, these pieces typically measure between 5 and 10 cm in length. They display hieroglyphic markings on their rounded external face, which tapers to a point and changes into a flat, circular base. These cones exhibit meticulous craftsmanship, as seen in their placement in ordered rows, the rounded ends of which can be seen emerging from the exteriors of private tomb chapels.
Dated to the New Kingdom period, circa 1550–1070 BC, these artifacts reflect a period marked by the height of Egyptian power and prosperity. The inscriptions commonly denote the name and titles of the tomb owner, thus providing pivotal data about genealogy and social economy to archaeologists and historians. Nonetheless, the specific function of these cones is still not agreed upon and constitutes a topic of ongoing academic discussion.
The inscriptions on each cone often bear relevance to the individual for whom it was designed. The nature and design of these inscriptions imply that these cones had a considerable role in the funerary traditions of the Theban elite. Various theories suggest that these cones might have symbolised the social status of the individual in the afterlife or represented an invocation for divine protection. Despite numerous studies, their exact function and symbolic meaning continue to be explored.
The cones are manufactured from Nile silt clay, indicating local production methods. Despite their antiquity, many cones remain undamaged, and the inscriptions can be read easily, thereby creating a tangible link to the civilizations of Ancient Egypt. The colors of the cones range from off-white to reddish-brown, influenced both by the clay's composition and the technique of firing employed during creation.
