Ikhernofret Stela
| Ikhernofret Stela | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Material | Limestone |
| Height | 100 cm |
| Created | c. 1864 BC |
| Discovered | Egypt |
The Ikhernofret Stela (
12th Dynasty treasurer under Pharaoh Senusret III, is depicted at an offering table with his family.[1] The rituals celebrated the god's kingship, death and resurrection.[2]
The stela describes how Ikhernofret is regarded as a beloved "foster child" of the King who was made "Companion of the King" when twenty-six. He is sent on a mission to Abydos by the King to carry out work in honour of the Kings Father "Osiris, Foremost of the Westerners".[2]
The stela records how the festivities were celebrated in four main parts.[3]
- Procession of Wepwawet ("The Opener of the Ways"). Wepwawet was in this instance a manifestation of the triumphant Horus who came to the aid of his father Osiris. The rite involved excoriation rituals relating to the enemies of Osiris.
- Great Procession. Leaving the Temple of Osiris, a re-enactment of the funeral procession of Osiris in the Neshmet-Barque.
- Haker Festival ("The Night of the Battling Horus"). The acting out of the battle between Horus and Set.
- Procession to the Temple of Osiris. Osiris returns to the Temple, symbolising resurrection and the triumph over death.[3]
The
Egyptologist and novelist Christian Jacq used the Ikehernofret inscriptions as the foundation of his Osirian series "The Mysteries of Osiris".[citation needed
]
See also
External links
References
- ISBN 0-300-09920-7
- ^ ISBN 0-520-02899-6
- ^ ISBN 0-8014-4241-9