ornate Senet board game
This definitive airmail postage stamp was issued in the early 1960s for use in the Gaza Strip under the administration of the United Arab Republic (UAR). To support civilian communication channels and international air postal networks for the local Palestinian population, the Egyptian administration released dedicated stamps inscribed with "PALESTINE" alongside the UAR designation. By superimposing a modern passenger aircraft silhouette over a historic archaeological treasure, this 10-millieme regular airmail issue beautifully juxtaposed the timeless legacy of ancient Nile Valley civilization with modern technological progress and international connectivity.
The central design features an exquisite piece of ancient craftsmanship: the ornate Senet board game discovered in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The gaming table is crafted with delicate ivory inlay grid squares and stands on elegant, animal-shaped legs attached to a wooden sled base. The lower left of the design bears the historical inscription "EGYPT 1350 B.C." alongside its Arabic equivalent, "Misr 1350 Q.M." (مصر ١٣٥٠ ق.م). Accompanied by the text "AIR MAIL" and "Barid Jawwi" (بريد جوي), this widely circulated issue functioned as a miniature cultural ambassador, showcasing classical archaeological heritage on correspondence sent across the globe.
The central design features an exquisite piece of ancient craftsmanship: the ornate Senet board game discovered in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The gaming table is crafted with delicate ivory inlay grid squares and stands on elegant, animal-shaped legs attached to a wooden sled base. The lower left of the design bears the historical inscription "EGYPT 1350 B.C." alongside its Arabic equivalent, "Misr 1350 Q.M." (مصر ١٣٥٠ ق.م). Accompanied by the text "AIR MAIL" and "Barid Jawwi" (بريد جوي), this widely circulated issue functioned as a miniature cultural ambassador, showcasing classical archaeological heritage on correspondence sent across the globe.