Crocodile Stela
ca. 1295–1070 B.C.E.
1 of 5
Object Label
The Egyptians harnessed the powers of a ferocious animal to ward off danger. In marshy areas inhabited by crocodiles, people living nearby identified this animal with their town god. Here, the divine crocodile is on a shrine with an offering table in front of him.
This fragment of a stela (commemorative stone slab) originally illustrated a prayer invoking the crocodile god Sobek, who provided all that the deceased needed in the next world.
This fragment of a stela (commemorative stone slab) originally illustrated a prayer invoking the crocodile god Sobek, who provided all that the deceased needed in the next world.
Caption
Crocodile Stela, ca. 1295–1070 B.C.E.. Limestone, 9 3/4 x 6 x 2 7/8 in. (24.8 x 15.2 x 7.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 67.174. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Crocodile Stela
Date
ca. 1295–1070 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 19 to Dynasty 20
Period
New Kingdom
Geography
Possible place made: Dahamsha, Egypt
Medium
Limestone
Classification
Dimensions
9 3/4 x 6 x 2 7/8 in. (24.8 x 15.2 x 7.3 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
67.174
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