Palm of a Ceremonial Fan
This palm (joining piece) of a ceremonial fan depicts a royal baldachin atop an umbel, the flower section of the papyrus plant. On the back of the palm are sockets for three ostrich plumes, and the lower end is made to fit onto a long staff. Goddesses holding feathered fans flank the pharaoh seated inside the baldachin. One of the royal cartouches appearing just below the cornice could be a poor version of one of the names of the Middle Kingdom pharaoh Amenemhat III. His pyramid complex at Hawara was a favorite site for burials in Roman times, and many mummies with panel portraits were found there. This fan might have been used in a temple at nearby Arsinöe, capital of the Fayum.
Artwork Details
- Title: Palm of a Ceremonial Fan
- Period: Roman Period
- Date: A.D. 1st–2nd century
- Geography: From Egypt
- Medium: Bronze, glass, gold
- Dimensions: Height: 4 3/4 in. (12 cm)
- Credit Line: Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
- Object Number: 26.7.841
- Curatorial Department: Egyptian Art
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A.D. 140–190 probably
A.D. 1st–2nd century
A.D. 2nd–3rd century
ca. 1st–2nd century
A.D. 1st–2nd century
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