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Wall Tile from a Royal Funerary Structure

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

Blue-green glazed rectangular tiles like these once decorated the walls of subterranean rooms beneath King Djoser’s Step Pyramid. As the first example of monumental stone architecture in Egypt, Djoser’s funerary complex was meant to provide the king’s spirit with an abode for eternity. The tiles imitated the hangings of reeds lashed together by horizontal cords that decorated palace walls during this king’s lifetime.
MEDIUM Faience
  • Place Made: Saqqara, Egypt
  • DATES ca. 2675–2625 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY Dynasty 3
    PERIOD Early Old Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 2 3/16 x 1 7/16 x 11/16 in. (5.6 x 3.6 x 1.8 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 73.84.2
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Four bright blue faience “matting” tiles. The backs have a projecting portion which is pierced for attachment. Condition: Some discoloration.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Wall Tile from a Royal Funerary Structure, ca. 2675–2625 B.C.E. Faience, 2 3/16 x 1 7/16 x 11/16 in. (5.6 x 3.6 x 1.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 73.84.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.73.84.1_34.1180c-d_73.84.2_34.1180a_erg2.jpg)
    IMAGE group, CUR.73.84.1_34.1180c-d_73.84.2_34.1180a_erg2.jpg.
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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     <em>Wall Tile from a Royal Funerary Structure</em>, ca. 2675–2625 B.C.E. Faience, 2 3/16 x 1 7/16 x 11/16 in. (5.6 x 3.6 x 1.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 73.84.2. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.73.84.1_34.1180c-d_73.84.2_34.1180a_erg2.jpg)