Fragment of a Model Obelisk
ca. 1481-1479 B.C.E.
Maker Unknown
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
An obelisk is a four-sided, tapering stone pillar with a pyramidal top called a benben. The benben represents the primordial mound where the Egyptians believe the sun god stood when he created the universe. Huge obelisks in front of temples symbolized solar creation. The size of this piece suggests that it once belonged to a temple model, such as the Dynasty 19 model gateway exhibited in the Later Egypt gallery.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Model
- Formatted Medium
- Egyptian alabaster (calcite)
- Dynasty
- Dynasty 18
- Period
- New Kingdom
- Dimensions
- 2 13/16 x 1 1/8 x 1 1/4 in. (7.2 x 2.8 x 3.2 cm)
- Accession Number
- 05.333
- Credit Line
- Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
- Exhibitions
- Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Ancient Egyptian Art
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- Egyptian Orientation Gallery, 3rd Floor
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