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Votive Stela

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

MEDIUM Limestone
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES ca. 1292–1190 B.C.E.
    DYNASTY early Dynasty 19 (probably)
    PERIOD New Kingdom
    DIMENSIONS 10 5/16 x 7 1/16 x 1 9/16 in. (26.2 x 17.9 x 3.9 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 16.141
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Evangeline Wilbour Blashfield, Theodora Wilbour, and Victor Wilbour honoring the wishes of their mother, Charlotte Beebe Wilbour, as a memorial to their father, Charles Edwin Wilbour
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Small round top limestone votive stela dedicated to the god Shed set up by the scribe Nfrshrw. The stela is of interest as an example of votive stela, probably erected by a poor person. Inscriptions to the god Shed are rare. Workmanship poor. The figures of the god Shed and Horus occupy slightly more than half of the face. They stand facing each other each grasping a sceptre. Two columns of inscriptions are in front of him. The lower part of the stela shows the scribe Nefer-Sekerew kneeling before a table of offerings under which is his name. The upper right column of inscriptions is not easy to read but appears to be "Horus son of Isis." Condition: Bad, each side badly chipped. Center of face flaking, entire piece worn. Faint traces of red remain on the body and face of the kneeling scribe.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Votive Stela, ca. 1292–1190 B.C.E. Limestone, 10 5/16 x 7 1/16 x 1 9/16 in. (26.2 x 17.9 x 3.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Evangeline Wilbour Blashfield, Theodora Wilbour, and Victor Wilbour honoring the wishes of their mother, Charlotte Beebe Wilbour, as a memorial to their father, Charles Edwin Wilbour, 16.141. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.16.141_NegA_bw.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, CUR.16.141_NegA_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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