Funerary Stele
A stone slab carved with text and images, placed in a tomb to honor the dead and help them in the afterlife.
What is it?
A funerary stele is a flat stone monument used in many ancient cultures. In ancient Egypt, stelae were placed in tombs or temples. They often show the deceased person, their name, and scenes of offerings or rituals. The stele you saw belongs to a man named Thutmose from the 18th Dynasty. It shows him interacting with gods and funeral ceremonies. Stelae were meant to preserve the person's memory and provide them with food and drink in the afterlife through magical spells.
Why it matters
Funerary stelae are important sources of information about ancient beliefs, art, and writing. They help us learn about people's names, titles, and religious practices.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more exhibits with funerary stelae.