Behenu

Behenu was a type of fine white stone used in ancient Egypt, highly prized for its use in creating vessels, statuary, and other decorative objects. It is generally believed to be a variety of fine-grained alabaster, specifically calcite alabaster, sourced from the Hatnub quarries located in the Eastern Desert.

The term "behenu" appears in ancient Egyptian texts, particularly in inscriptions relating to mining expeditions and royal decrees concerning the acquisition and use of the stone. The qualities attributed to behenu, such as its whiteness, fineness, and suitability for carving, made it a desirable material for objects associated with the elite and the divine.

Behenu vessels, often found in tombs and temples, are examples of the skilled craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian artisans. The stone's relative softness allowed for intricate detailing and elaborate forms. Its association with purity and light likely contributed to its use in funerary contexts and in the creation of cult objects. The quarrying and transport of behenu were carefully controlled activities, reflecting its value and importance to the ancient Egyptian state.