Miniature tabernacle

© 2006 Musée du Louvre / Georges Poncet

Late Period, 664-332 BC
Wood
H.: 20 cm; W.: 17.8 cm; D.: 10.8 cm
Department of Egyptian Antiquities, Musée du Louvre
(E 2541)

Despite its modest size, this item provides valuable information on the appearance of Egyptian tabernacles, because it imitates the original small chapel, called a naos, that was made of stone or wood. This wooden model has retained its “gates of heaven” with the little handles used to open them.
Temple reliefs show the use made of this type of receptacle. Placed in the holy of holies, it contained the statue of the god worshiped in the temple. For processions—or festivities such as Union with the Solar Disk, which took place on the temple roof—it would be set in a portable barque or carried in the priests’ arms, protecting the divine effigy.

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