This is one of the oxhide ingots discovered in Enkomi. Another one was discovered too and they are part of a Founder’s Hoard.
They are really important since they are the only ones found complete on the island.
Oxhide ingots in Cyprus have only been found in Enkomi, Maa-Palekastro, Pyla-Kokkinokremos,Mathiatis, Kalavasos, and Maroni Vournes and Tsaroukkas.
The specific oxhide ingot was found by the British expedition in Enkomi (1897), who were trying to discover Late Bronze Age tombs and their rich grave offerings. The tombs of this period were located under the buildings and the streets of the city. So while creating trenches, they uncovered part of the city’s habitation levels.
The ingot bears a mark which was impressed on the surface at one of the edges.
It weights 36,92 kilograms and it is dated in the LC III period based on its typology.
Today is exhibited at the Gallery 72 (Cypriot antiquities) in the British Museum, London.
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