Stele of Shemai

Cleveland Museum of Art

Stele of Shemai: A stone slab, possibly made of limestone, with a recessed rectangular panel containing relief carvings. The top of the slab has a curved, ribbed design resembling a cavetto cornice. Within the panel, a man with a distinctive head covering and a collar necklace sits on the right side. He faces left and extends an arm towards a table or altar on the left. The table holds an offering, possibly a floral arrangement or food. The man and the offering are flanked by vertical columns of hieroglyphics on either side of the panel. Above the panel, there are additional horizontal rows of hieroglyphics and symbols. The stone is beige with areas of discoloration and damage; the edges are rough and chipped.