FUNERARY STELA Meaning and
Definition
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A funerary stela is an ancient commemorative stone slab or pillar typically found in ancient Egyptian, Greek, or Roman cultures. It serves as a marker or memorial for the deceased and is commonly placed at a burial site or within a temple dedicated to the memory of the departed individual.
These stelae usually feature inscriptions containing information about the deceased such as their name, title, and accomplishments. They may also contain religious or mythological imagery, scenes of daily life, or epitaphs invoking blessings or offering prayers for the deceased's journey to the afterlife.
Funerary stelae in ancient Egypt often depicted the deceased standing or sitting in a formal pose, dressed in elaborate ceremonial attire. The hieroglyphic inscriptions often included prayers to ensure the occupant's immortality and provide protection in the afterlife. Some stelae in this ancient tradition even included miniature versions of furniture, food, and other offerings essential for the deceased's comfort and well-being.
In Greek and Roman cultures, funerary stelae were usually carved from stone or marble, and they varied in size and complexity. They typically displayed intricate relief sculptures depicting scenes of the deceased engaged in various activities, perhaps highlighting their professions or hobbies. These stelae were often dedicated to specific deities and evoked the deceased's virtues and achievements.
Funerary stelae provide valuable insights into the beliefs, customs, and daily lives of ancient societies, serving as a visual testament to the deceased's memory and ensuring their presence in both this world and the next.
Common Misspellings for FUNERARY STELA
- dunerary stela
- cunerary stela
- vunerary stela
- gunerary stela
- tunerary stela
- runerary stela
- fynerary stela
- fhnerary stela
- fjnerary stela
- finerary stela
- f8nerary stela
- f7nerary stela
- fuberary stela
- fumerary stela
- fujerary stela
- fuherary stela
- funwrary stela
- funsrary stela
- fundrary stela
- funrrary stela
Etymology of FUNERARY STELA
The word "funerary" derives from the Latin word "funus", meaning "funeral" or "death". It is related to the Latin verb "fundo", which means "to pour out" or "to bury". "Stela", on the other hand, comes from the Greek word "stēlē", which means "pillar" or "slab". In ancient Egypt, a funerary stela referred to a carved stone slab or pillar that was typically erected as a monument or marker for a deceased individual.
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