A 3,000-year-old wooden toe found in Egypt is likely one of the world’s oldest artificial body parts ever found, experts say.
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The elaborately-crafted prosthetic was refitted several times in order to be the right size of its owner, a priest’s daughter.
Experts from the University of Basel said it was made in such a meticulous manner it indicated the owner valued a natural look, aesthetics and wearing comfort.
The artificial wooden toe was found in a plundered tomb in a burial chapel west of Luxor.
“The artificial toe from the early first millennium BC testifies to the skills of an artisan who was very familiar with the human physiognomy,” the university said in a statement. “The technical know-how can be seen particularly well in the mobility of the prosthetic extension and the robust structure of the belt strap.”