Material: limestone, paint

Size: 45in high, 26in wide, 5in thick

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First, take a minute or two to look closely at the images above. Write down your reaction to this object--what did you think about when you first saw this? What parts of this object caught your eye? Why did you pick this object for your response paper? Make notes on things that you notice about it. Also, write down any questions you have about it--what kinds of things would you want to know about this object? Remember the questions we ask in class. You don't need to have answers for these questions yet, but keep them in your notes.

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Once you have some questions written down, try to answer them by reading the information I've provided below about this object and its context.

 

Context: Where Was It Found?

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This stela was found in the tomb of a man named Neferiu, whose job title was "Royal Sealer". Consider the discussion we had last week about cylinder seals and how they were used like signatures--you would impress the seal onto wet clay, and each seal was unique. So, what do you think the responsibilities of the "royal sealer" involved? A "stela", by the way, is a term for a carved and/or inscribed stone pillar or slab which is used for commemorative purposes.

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It may be helpful to compare this artwork to the Tomb of Perneb, which we discussed in class. There are many similarities. Note, for example, the false door on the bottom. The hieroglyphs on either side proclaim Neferiu's good deeds and accomplishments in life. Also, on the door itself, there are two mirror-image "wedjat" eyes--symbols of protection. Why do you think they were painted on the door?

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Some things to consider in your response paper:​

• What was your response to this object? What drew your eye? You are encouraged to use first person (I/me) in your response paper. I want to know what you think.

• Consider the stela carefully. Try to imagine the artist carving and painting this piece, as ordered by Neferiu or his family. What kinds of decisions did the artist make (about line, color, scale, etc.) when they were creating this piece, and why did they make those choices? Try to put yourself in the mind of the artist. 

• What is the meaning of this piece of art? Why would Neferiu have this carved and placed in his tomb? Remember what we discussed in class concerning Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife--what does this tell you about Neferiu's beliefs? Imagine his grieving relatives coming to the tomb to visit and deposit offerings--what kind of meaning(s) would this imagery have for them?

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