Plumb Line Level

Plumb Line Level
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