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Egyptian Pottery Soul House
Redware pottery depicting the so-called "soul house", from E-Kab, Egypt, 11th to 12th Dynasties, 2024-1700 BCE.
It has flattened pellets representing a loop of wood. One of the two pillars which supports the roof is lost. Mr. Petrie thought that this object represent dwelling for the soul; this theory is not accepted by all Egyptologists. Not all Egyptian tombs were richly furnished. At one point in Egyptian history, instead of grave goods, poorer individuals had objects, like this one, placed above their burials. Modeled on the tray are miniature representations of bread and meat which would sustain the deceased in the afterlife.
The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, London (with thanks to The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, UCL).
Questions & Answers
When did ancient Egyptian architecture begin and end?
- Ancient Egyptian architecture developed during the Early Dynastic Period (c. 3150-2613 BCE) and continued through the Ptolemaic Dynasty (323-30 BCE) and then, sporadically, during the Roman Period of Egypt (30 BCE-646 CE).
What is the first pyramid built in Egypt?
- The first pyramid built in ancient Egypt is Djoser's Step Pyramid at Saqqara c. 2670 BCE.
What inspired ancient Egyptian architecture?
- Ancient Egyptian architecture was inspired and informed by the concept of ma'at (balance, harmony) and stability. Buildings were designed to represent the order established by the gods.
What is the most famous architecture in Egypt?
- The Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx are the most famous pieces of architecture from ancient Egypt.
