Archaeologists have discovered a remarkably preserved 4,000-year-old human handprint on an ancient Egyptian artifact during research at the Fitzwilliam Museum in the United Kingdom.

The handprint was found on the base of a clay funerary object dating back to Egypt’s Middle Kingdom period, likely left unintentionally by the artisan who created it before the clay fully dried. Experts say the imprint offers a rare and personal connection to an ancient craftsman, capturing a moment frozen in time thousands of years ago.

Researchers believe the discovery provides valuable insight into ancient Egyptian manufacturing techniques and the human stories behind historical artifacts.