Homework Question on Stelae and false Doors in Ancient Egypt
- The question is, What can stelae and false doors reveal about the Ancient Egyptian concept of the afterlife.
- Use the evidence in the required readings listed below to support your response. the photo web is http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/577370
Homework Answer on Stelae and Stale Doors in Ancient Egypt
Egyptian stelae resembles traditional tombstone as the tombstones are the modern rendition of the ancient markers. Stelae are a Greek term, which refers to a pillar or vertical tablet. In the ancient Egypt, stelae, were slabs of either stone or wood in varying shapes, bearing inscriptions to define the purpose of the slab. They were mainly erected as tombstones and as markers of boundaries[1]. As tombstones, they were mostly erected outside the tombs to show the offering place and name the tomb owner. Sacrifices and offerings were offered to the dead spirits and the gods through the stelae[2].
False doors were long narrow recessed panels that represented actual doorways[3]. False doors were passages erected to allow the soul of the dead to pass. The doors were common in mortuary temples and tombs of the ancient Egypt from the third dynasty. The false doors were assumed the threshold of the world of the mortals and the world of the deities and spirits. The god or the dead would interact with the world of the living by passing through the door[4]. The door was also a place of offering sacrifices to the dead and the spirits. Therefore, it was common to find false doors depicted on the sides of the coffin and the cabinets of the magical servants, shawabti.
