Temple Graffiti: Human Figures
Graffito T8. Human — Seated, Possibly with Staff or Scepter
This graffito shows a human, facing left, seated on a bench or stool. The head is outlined, and the arms and legs are described with simple lines. The figure holds a staff or scepter in both hands.
Seated figures are rare in rock art and graffiti, and it is not clear whether this figure would be more likely to represent a ruler or a deity. If a deity, then the god Ptah is the most likely candidate, as he is often depicted holding a staff or scepter in each hand. Ptah, as the patron deity of the Egyptian city of Memphis, was not worshiped in temples in Kush. However, during Kushite control over Egypt as Egypt’s 25th Dynasty (744–656 BCE), the Kushite king Shabaqo installed a stone in the temple of Ptah in Memphis. The inscription, known as the Shabaqo stone, describes Ptah as the creator god.
- Kurru ID number: 103
- Location: Wall face G04-10:1
- Dimensions (H × W): 32 × 14 cm