<em>Fragment of a Parapet</em>, ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E. Limestone, 6 1/16 x 6 in. (15.4 x 15.3 cm). Lent by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1921 (21.9.573), L49.13a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.41.82_L49.13a-b_view1_wwg7.jpg)

Fragment of a Parapet, ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E. Limestone, 6 1/16 x 6 in. (15.4 x 15.3 cm). Lent by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1921 (21.9.573), L49.13a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.41.82_L49.13a-b_view1_wwg7.jpg)

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Tell me more about Ma'at

Ma'at was both the name of a goddess and a very important concept in ancient Egypt. Basically, it had to do with truth and balance in the cosmos.

For example, one of the chapters in the Book of the Dead described the weighing of the heart to see if the deceased has been a good person. What the heart is weighed against is a feather representing maat.

The pharaoh was also responsible for maintaining ma'at or balance in the world, especially between Egypt and its neighbors.

Thank you!

Tell me more.

This fragment comes from a platform on which Akhenaten and Nefertiti (the King and Queen of the Amarna Period) made offerings to their principal deity, the Aten.

The object in Nefertiti's hands, that she is offering to the deity, looks like to two cartouches which contain names of the Aten. Based on an object found in Tutankamun's tomb, scholar's believe that this may represent a perfume container.

Why is the “Fragment of A Parapet” only a portion of the entire relief? What happened for it to be destroyed?

The city of Amarna, known as Akhetaten in ancient times, was abandoned soon after Akhenaten's reign came to an end. So, one possibility is that this temple simply fell into disrepair.

We also know that some buildings were destroyed during the reign of Ramesses II because archaeologists discovered blocks from Akhetaten that were reused in the construction of another temple.

Thank you.

What is the purpose of the parapet in Egyptian culture?

A parapet is basically a low wall. This fragment may come from part of the temple. The decorations on it show Queen Nefertiti and a bit of King Akhenaten in front of her, making offerings to the Aten, their chief god.

Fragment of a Parapet

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Amarna Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

MEDIUM Limestone

DATES ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E.

DYNASTY late Dynasty 18

PERIOD New Kingdom, Amarna Period

DIMENSIONS 6 1/16 x 6 in. (15.4 x 15.3 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

ACCESSION NUMBER L49.13a-b

CREDIT LINE Lent by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1921 (21.9.573)

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Amarna Period, Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Gallery, 3rd Floor

CAPTION Fragment of a Parapet, ca. 1352–1336 B.C.E. Limestone, 6 1/16 x 6 in. (15.4 x 15.3 cm). Lent by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Edward S. Harkness, 1921 (21.9.573), L49.13a-b. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: , CUR.41.82_L49.13a-b_view1_wwg7.jpg)

IMAGE group, CUR.41.82_L49.13a-b_view1_wwg7.jpg.

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RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY

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