Boundary Stela of Sety I

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.