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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 5/16 × 1 3/8 × 5/8 in. (5.8 × 3.5 × 1.6 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 34.1180b
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION One of four green glazed faience plaques from the lining of the subterranean chamber in the pyramid of King Zoser at Saqqarah. The plaques are oblong and undecorated. On the underside of each is an oblong ridge which is pierced apparently to facilitate attachment to the walls of the chamber. Number B and C have each a hieroglyph on the reverse doubtless as guides to the workman. Condition, each tile is slightly chipped and on the rear are remains of plaster.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Wall Tile from a Royal Funerary Structure, ca. 2675–2625 B.C.E. Faience, 2 5/16 × 1 3/8 × 5/8 in. (5.8 × 3.5 × 1.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 34.1180b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.34.1180a_34.1180b_34.1180c_34.1180d_NegA_print_bw.jpg)
    IMAGE group, CUR.34.1180a_34.1180b_34.1180c_34.1180d_NegA_print_bw.jpg.
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