New Kingdom Stelae

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There are many characteristics that help to differentiate between stelae from the Middle Kingdom, and stelae from the New Kingdom. By looking at the shape, size, and medium of a stela, an individual should have a good idea on what kingdom it was from. The layout of a stela, the depictions, and the inscriptions on it should also help determine the kingdom it was made in. The Stela of Amenemopte, a Priest of Senwosret I is vertical and rectangular with a rounded curve at the top, just by looking at the size and shape of this stela, you can clearly tell that it is a stela from the New Kingdom. Stelae are slabs of wood or stone “usually bearing inscriptions, reliefs or paintings,” and they came in various shapes and sizes. Throughout history, they were used for many different purposes. Jimmy Dunn mentioned that “in ancient Egypt, stelae were erected most frequently as tombstones and as boundary markers, but also as Votive and commemorative monuments.” Stelae being used as tombstones is why modern headstones, which are tall, and round at the top, bear an uncanny resemblance to stelae from the Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom. At the very beginning, stelae were only allowed to be used and enjoyed by kings and nobles. When found in non-royal tombs, “it is expressly stated that they were given or at …show more content…

The stela to the right of it looked dirty, dusty and soiled and it's probably because it wasn’t made of limestone. When comparing the Stela of Amenemopet to the stela next to it, it’s very easy to tell which one is from the New Kingdom. The stela next to the Stela of Amenemopet was wider in size rather than taller, also the rounded curve at the top was very circular, and there was a sunken line separating the inscriptions in the lunette from the rest of the depictions in the stela. These traits of the stela is completely opposite to the traits of the Stela of

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