Papyrus column
The papyrus column is a type of column widely used in ancient Egyptian architecture . It represents an image of the papyrus plant , which is a symbol of greenery and flourishing and is related to the heraldic plant of Lower Egypt .
The column appears in three different variants, which differ in the form of the capital and the column shaft .
As a bundle column with six to eight plant stems and a closed capital, it appears for the first time in the pyramid temple of Sahure . The bundling is very similar to the bundles of the lotus column , but in contrast to this, the foot is noticeably drawn in and surrounded by five pointed foot leaves. From the Middle Kingdom onwards , bundles of three small papyrus plants are stuck between the stems of the capital. Particularly beautiful examples can be found in the buildings of Amenhotep III.
With a smoothly turned shaft and a closed capital, a simplified form of the first variant has developed, which was particularly widespread in the Ramesside period. The shaft and capital have smooth surfaces on which inscriptions, rows of cartridges and relief scenes are attached. Examples can be found in Karnak , in the Ramesseum , in Medinet Habu , as well as in the millions of years old of Seti I in Abydos and Thebes .
The third variant has only a single stem and an open, bell-shaped capital. The opened capitals umbel is decorated with a wreath of single flowers. An initial implementation as a half-pillar seems to have already taken place in the Djoser district . The column shape has appeared in lamp stands since the Middle Kingdom . In the early 18th dynasty you can find them in representations. Only since Thutmose III. it can be proven in buildings and is now often used for free-standing kiosks and central aisles of Hypostylen . Examples can be found in the Colonnade of the Luxor Temple , in Karnak , in Edfu and in Philae .
literature
- Peter Jánosi , Dieter Arnold : column. In: Wolfgang Helck (Hrsg.): Lexikon der Ägyptologie (LÄ). Volume V, Harrassowitz, Wiesbaden 1984, ISBN 3-447-02489-5 , Sp. 346-347.
- Dieter Arnold: Lexicon of Egyptian architecture . Albatros, Düsseldorf 2000, ISBN 3-491-96001-0 , p. 222-223 .
