Limestone, pigment, H 3 1/8 x W 4 15/16in. (7.8 x 12.6cm) New Kingdom, Dynasties 19-20, ca. 193-1070 BCE Purchased in Luxor, 1930, OIM 13951 Photo ©Joan Ann Lansberry, 2010

(From _Ancient Egypt: Treasures of the Oriental Institute_, by Emily Teeter, page 59): "Flakes of limestone (ostracon) with drawings are well attested for the late New Kingdom. Although they vary in theme and style, it is assumed that they are either satirical drawings or illustrations of popular folk tales. This example shows a mouse dressed in a finely pleated kilt, standing on a dais before a stool. He leans on a papyrus umbel-shaped staff, in imitation of a high official leaning on his staff of office. To the right, a cat stands on his back feet, wielding a flower-shaped bation over a young boy whose arms are raised in supplication. The boy wears a hairstyle associated with youth: the side lock and three tufts of hair. As was customary with children, he is shown naked." (From Info Card): "The back of the ostracon bears a hieratic inscription reading 'cat and mouse bring the bad boy to court.'" (From _Ancient Egypt: Treasures of the Oriental Institute_, by Emily Teeter, page 59): "The composition may be a satirical scene that portrays the world turned upside-down. Here, the mouse is superior to the cat, and both judge the boy." The Brooklyn Museum has a similar ostracon, "Cat Waiting on a Mouse":