Brooklyn Museum: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art: Round-Topped Stela

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Round-Topped Stela

These two Christian stelae, made after the Arabs conquered Egypt in 642 c.e., reflect new styles from the East. The larger example (71.39.1), which has lost its top section, would have decorated a tomb wall much like the woven wall hangings in homes. Here, exuberant vegetal motifs almost submerge the small crosses. The round-topped stela (69.74.2), which has two lionlike animals in Eastern style and no Christian symbols at all, was made for a woman whose name, Suzanna, indicates that she was Christian. Her father’s name, Pachons, suggest that he was not Christian, a possibility that may explain the lack of Christian imagery here.

Culture: Coptic
Medium: Limestone, traces of red paint
Place Found: Esna, Egypt
Dates: 8th century C.E.
Period: Late Antique Egyptian Period
Dimensions: 17 11/16 x 13 3/8 x 3 5/16 in. (45 x 34 x 8.4 cm)
Collections: Egyptian, Classical, and Ancient Middle Eastern Art
Museum Location: This item is not on view
Accession Number: 69.74.2
Credit Line: Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Image: Overall, 69.74.2_PS1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2008