Plumb Line Level
GEM Number
3458
Collection
Main Galleries
Period
Middle Kingdom
Dynasty
12
Description
Plumb lines levels were used by ancient Egyptian builders and carpenters to make perfectly levelled surfaces. This plumb line level had three parts: a wooden vertical isosceles triangle, a string (now missing) and a plumb bob hanging from the apex of the wooden triangle. A plumb bob is a weight that uses gravity to create a perfect vertical line. This simple but well-designed and effective tool is still used today to help builders properly align structures.
Region
Upper Egypt
Wood - Stone
Height
20.2 cm
Length
29.1 cm
Thickness
2.5 cm