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Document Details :

Title: Three Stone Anchors from Tell Basta
Author(s): BAKR, Mohammed Ibrahim , NIBBI, Alessandra
Journal: Revue d'Égyptologie
Volume: 42    Date: 1991   
Pages: 3-10
DOI: 10.2143/RE.42.0.2011286

Abstract :
The three stones with holes which were found in New Kingdom levels at Tell Basta carry signs of wear by water and may safely be identified as anchors. Anchors are known to have been adapted from building blocks and the reverse is also true: anchors have been used as part of buildings. The presence of anchors at Tell Basta indicates that they were indeed used on the river Nile. These anchors all weigh less than fifty kilograms. The purpose of anchors on the river is very likely to have been stopping the vessel in midstream (which the traditional stake could not do), for greater safety in hostile conditions.

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