Funerary Stele with Ankh (Looped Cross) Featuring a Human Face at the Center

6th–7th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 302
The ankh was an ancient Egyptian symbol of eternal life, used in the Byzantine period in Egypt as an alternative form of the cross.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Funerary Stele with Ankh (Looped Cross) Featuring a Human Face at the Center
  • Date: 6th–7th century
  • Geography: Attributed to Egypt, Akhmim (former Panopolis)
  • Medium: Limestone; carved in relief
  • Dimensions: H. 23 5/8 in. (60 cm)
    W. 12 5/8 in. (32.2 cm)
    D. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1910
  • Object Number: 10.176.29
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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