50. Stela of Kariben

This stela was once set up in Kariben’s tomb to receive offerings on behalf of the deceased and perpetuate his mortuary cult. The stela depicts Osiris holding the crook and flail. In front of him is a table with food and drink offerings made by a pious Kariben, who raises his hands in adoration. Behind Osiris stands his consort, Isis, while Ma’at stands behind Kariben. The text at the bottom identifies him as a king’s brother, and begins with the phrase ‘words spoken by’, indicating the script was meant to be spoken out loud. The theme, function and symbols of the stela are Egyptian. However, Kariben is depicted with a ‘Kushite cap’ and a Kushite fringed robe, and the carving of the script is unusual. These details suggest the stela was made by a Kushite workshop. It demonstrates that Napatan culture incorporated many elements from ancient Egypt, while retaining its distinctly Nubian flavor.