Department of Antiquities
The 'Scorpion King' Mace head
(Ashmolean Museum, Oxford; number: AN1896-1908.E3632)
When was it made and why is it so large?
When was it made?
About 3100 BC, in the period immediately preceding the unification of Upper and Lower (southern and northern) Egypt under one king - traditionally identified as a powerful ruler from the south.
Why is it so large?
This macehead is about five times the size of a functional one. It's decorated with scenes carved in low relief, and was made for dedication in the temple of the falcon god at Hierakonpolis, possibly to celebrate a victory.