Object Details
Description
Decoration in high relief.
Inscriptions
Has inscription.
Label
The central figure on this stele is the child form of the god Horus. He stands on the heads of two crocodiles, which cross each other beneath his feet and face out to the sides. In his left hand he clutches two serpents and a lion by the tail; in his right, two scorpions by the stingers and an oryx by the horns. Every flat surface on the stele is covered with magical hieroglyphic texts consisting of spells which protect against snakes, scorpions, and the other evil forces the god subdues.
This type of object was often set up in private households, but examples have also been found in tombs, suggesting that their protective powers could also be extended to the deceased.
Provenance
To 1908
Ali Arabi, Giza, Egypt, to 1908 [1]
From 1908 to 1919
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919), purchased from Ali Arabi, in Cairo, in May, 1908 [2]
From 1920
Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Charles Lang Freer in 1920 [3]
Notes:
[1] See Original Miscellaneous List, S.I, 64, Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Archives.
[2] See note 1.
[3] The original deed of Charles Lang Freer's gift was signed in 1906. The collection was received in 1920 upon the completion of the Freer Gallery.
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Exhibition History
A Collector’s Eye: Freer in Egypt (January 28, 2023 to 2025)
Charles Lang Freer and Egypt (June 13, 1998 to October 2, 2011)
Previous custodian or owner
Ali Arabi (ca. 1840-1932) (C.L. Freer source)
Charles Lang Freer (1854-1919)
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Lang Freer
Date
305-30 BCE
Period
Ptolemaic Dynasty
Accession Number
F1908.65
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Sculpture
Medium
Steatite
Dimensions
H x W x D: 19.4 x 11.6 x 4 cm (7 5/8 x 4 9/16 x 1 9/16 in)
Origin
Egypt
On View
West Building (Freer Gallery of Art), Gallery 20: A Collector’s Eye: Freer in Egypt
Related Online Resources
Google Arts & Culture
See more items in
National Museum of Asian Art
Data Source
National Museum of Asian Art
Topic
stone
lion
snake
Ptolemaic Dynasty (305 - 30 BCE)
crocodile
scorpion
Egypt
Bes
Horus
magic
Ancient Egyptian Art
Charles Lang Freer collection
Link to Original Record
Record ID
fsg_F1908.65