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Boundary Stela of Sety I

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

This stela marked the boundaries of two areas of land. The income from the land was intended to support rituals and offerings for a type of royal statue called a “protected image.” The figure in the upper portion of the stela represents the protected image of Sety I, through which pious Egyptians worshipped the divine aspect of this king. Unlike temple statues of gods, such stelae are examples of Egyptian popular religion, for they stood in fields where they could be approached by all members of society. The fan behind the figure is a symbol of protection intended to guard the image.
MEDIUM Limestone
  • Place Found: Kom al-Lufi, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1294 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 19
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 25 1/2 × 15 1/2 × 6 3/4 in., 110 lb. (64.8 × 39.4 × 17.1 cm, 49.9kg)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 69.116.1
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Round-topped limestone stela bearing a representation of, and inscribed for, King Sety I (Mn-ma'at-r'). The king is represented, on the upper portion of the stela, standing and wearing the Blue Crown. Below the king are three lines of inscription: the inscription dates the piece to Year 1 of Sety 1. Both figure and inscription are executed in sunk relief. The stela was cut off at the bottom in modern times; the other edges and the rear surface are rough. The piece is somewhat wider near the top (at the springing of the round top) than at the bottom. Condition: Numerous chips and scratches.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Boundary Stela of Sety I, ca. 1294 B.C.E. Limestone, 25 1/2 × 15 1/2 × 6 3/4 in., 110 lb. (64.8 × 39.4 × 17.1 cm, 49.9kg). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 69.116.1. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , 69.116.1_PS9.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 69.116.1_PS9.jpg., 2019
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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