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Fragment of a Model Obelisk

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.
MEDIUM Egyptian alabaster (calcite)
DATES ca. 1481-1479 B.C.E.
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)  (show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER 05.333
CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Fragment of a Model Obelisk, ca. 1481-1479 B.C.E. Egyptian alabaster (calcite), 2 13/16 x 1 1/8 x 1 1/4 in. (7.2 x 2.8 x 3.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 05.333. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.05.333_erg456.jpg)
IMAGE overall, CUR.05.333_erg456.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 9/6/2007
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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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