Cornice Block

This block originally formed part of a screen wall that connected the four front columns and the sidewalls of the temple of Harendotes ('Horus the Avenger') on the island of Philae. The relief represents the 'Baptism of Pharoah,' a purification ritual that was part of Egyptian coronation ceremonies. The gods Horus (not preserved) and the ibis-headed Thoth poured water - here represnted by streams of ankh (life) and was(dominion) hieroglyphs - over the head of the king. The pharaoh whose head is partially preserved is a Claudian emperor most probably either Claudius or Nero.