Coptic Stela Relief with Reclining Figure

4th-5th century AD. A limestone relief with facing figure of the deceased resting on a triclinium, the body wrapped in long sleeved chiton and himation, left elbow resting on two pillows; to the left remains of a figure with the hands raised in the orans attitude of worship; mounted on a custom-made display stand. See Hooper, F.A., Funerary stelae from Kom Abou Billou, The University of Michigan, Kelsey, 1961; Wagdy A.M., El-Ebiary, H., 'New Funerary Stelae from Kom About Bellou' in Bulletin de l'Institut francais d'archeologie orientale, Le Cairo, 2011, no.111, pp.371-384, figs.1-6. 550 grams total, 23cm wide (9"). North London gentleman, in storage since the 1970s. Property of a West London gentleman. Elements of Greek, Roman, and Egyptian religious practice converge in this stela, making it an important object of Romano-Egyptian material culture. The stelae of this category show a combination of two iconographical traditions, arranged according to the demands of the Graeco-Egyptian mixed population. More than 200 similar stelae were excavated by the Kelsey Museum archaeologists in the city of Terenouthis. The stelae display a great variety of human figures, often showing the combination of the deceased represented lying on the triclinium and in a praying position. [No Reserve]
Condition Report: Fine condition.