Representations of Ritual and Symbolic Objects in Late XXVth Dynasty and Saite Private Tombs

Abstract

Although several scholars have recently investigated aspects of relief decoration in Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth Dynasty tombs and temples at Thebes, little attention has been given to depictions of so-called objects of a ritual or symbolic nature. This study will examine the representation of several categories of such objects, including the jars for the seven sacred oils, the lily, the lotus, the formal bouquet {Stabstrauss), and sacrificial animals. These objects of cultic and symbolic function, when used in late Dynasty XXV and Saite private tomb reliefs, reflect the main ideas of contemporary tomb decoration on a symbolic level and point to new interpretations of traditional Egyptian scenes that were evolving in the Late Period.