Ancient Egypt and Archaeology Web Site |
Limestone Boundary Stela of Sety I, New Kingdom, 19th Dynasty, year 1 of the reign of Sety I, from Kom el Lufi. The text on this stela mentions that in the first year of his reign Seti I ordered a survey of two parcels of land. The stela marked the boundaries of these areas. Although the text fails to mention the survey's intent, it seems to have been related to a royal endowment supporting the cult of a type of royal statue called a "protected image." The figure in the upper portion of the stela represents the protected image of Seti I's endowment. Pious pilgrims who confronted these images worshiped the divine aspect of the king inherent in the statues Such images were part of Egyptian popular religion for they stood in fields where they could be approached by all members of society. The fan behind the figure guaranteed the safety of the protected image. |