Abstract
I here suggest that in the Early Dynastic period flint was ideologically important at least partly because of its lustrous qualities. During later periods, metal, and particularly arsenical copper took over this role. Archaeological evidence shows that in Early Dynastic Egypt pale flint and rock crystal were frequently selected for both grave goods and jewelry and that the luster of flint was enhanced by polishing. By luster I mean the scintillating qualities of whiteness and shininess. However, this emphasis on flint's lustrous qualities decreases dramatically around 2600 B.C., the end of the Third Dynasty. Not only does flint cease to be used in graves, but archaeological evidence for its ritual use declines, and often that ritual use is related to its aesthetics. At the same time, arsenical copper, which is lighter colored than pure copper, takes the place of flint in graves. It seems flint was literally outshone.
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