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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 05.333_front_PS22.jpg)
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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 05.333_threequarter_PS22.jpg)
Fragment of a Model Obelisk
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
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.
MEDIUM
Egyptian alabaster (calcite)
DATES
ca. 1481–1479 B.C.E.
DYNASTY
Dynasty 18
PERIOD
New Kingdom
DIMENSIONS
2 7/8 × 1 1/4 × 1 1/4 in. (7.3 × 3.2 × 3.2 cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
05.333
CREDIT LINE
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
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. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 05.333_front_PS22.jpg)
IMAGE
front, 05.333_front_PS22.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2024
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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