Fragment of a Model Obelisk
ca. 1481–1479 B.C.E.
1 of 2
Object Label
An obelisk is a four-sided, tapering stone pillar with a pyramidal top called a benben. The benben represents the primordial mound where the Egyptians believe the sun god stood when he created the universe. Huge obelisks in front of temples symbolized solar creation. The size of this piece suggests that it once belonged to a temple model, such as the Dynasty 19 model gateway exhibited in the Later Egypt gallery.
Caption
Fragment of a Model Obelisk, ca. 1481–1479 B.C.E.. Egyptian alabaster (calcite), 2 7/8 × 1 1/4 × 1 1/4 in. (7.3 × 3.2 × 3.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 05.333. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Fragment of a Model Obelisk
Date
ca. 1481–1479 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 18
Period
New Kingdom
Medium
Egyptian alabaster (calcite)
Classification
Dimensions
2 7/8 × 1 1/4 × 1 1/4 in. (7.3 × 3.2 × 3.2 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
05.333
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