This round-topped stela was made to look like a naos containing the image of the god Osiris. Each of the jambs of the naos is inscribed with the offering formula in the name of the god Osiris. The area contained within the semi-circular top of the stela is decorated with a scene that is deeply symbolic of sunrise. The scarab was a symbol of the sun god at dawn, who was called Khepri. On either side of the rising sun disk is a baboon. The chattering of baboons at sunrise was interpreted by the ancient Egyptians as them rejoicing at the sun god’s glorious rebirth. The overall composition is furthermore is laid out to give the shape of the hieroglyph used in the writing of the word “horizon”.
Late Period, 26th Dynasty (664–332 BC).
Medium: Limestone, paint.
Provenance: Abydos, Middle Cemetery.
