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Unfinished
Stela to Amun-Ra, Dynasty 20 (1186–1070 B.C.), ca. 1181–1148
B.C.
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 n Egyptian society, the practice
of consulting oracles is believed to have occurred before the New Kingdom
(which began 1570 B.C.), the period from which the first recorded examples
have survived. In the most elaborate form of consultation, an image of a
god was placed upon a litter and carried by priests during a festival devoted
to that particular deity. In response to petitions, a "yes" answer was expressed
by forward movement, a "no" by moving backward. Any type of question could
be posed on these occasions, such as an inquiry about the health of a distant
relative or the soundness of a business transaction. In this scene, priests
carry the barque of Amun-Ra, whose cult image resides in the shrine at the
center. |
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