Berkley, E.: The pharaohs and their people: scenes of old Egyptian life and history (New York, [1883])

THE SACRED BARK. 179

before it, and the innermost sanctuary was
small, dark, and mysterious in its solemn
obscurity. Here was the sacred shrine (con-
taming some hidden emblem or image of the
god), which on solemn occasions was brought
out and carried in procession through the city
or down the river. These shrines or arks are
seen depicted in brightly coloured tints on the
bas-reliefs. The sacred bark is standing on an
altar, which is covered by a red cloth. On two
lesser altars stand flowers and vessels for liba-
tion or for incense. In the centre of the boat
is the ark itself, a sort of chest partially veiled,
in which is for ever hidden the mystic symbol
01 the god. In the bark are small images of
men kneeling in adoration, and immense artifi-
cial lotus and papyrus flowers. Tall banners or
sun-screens stand behind, ready to be carried in
solemn state in the processions. On the prow
°f the boat is the sacred hawk, and behind it
a sphinx, emblem of the king. Underneath
are the shafts on which it rests when it is taken
r°m the altar and borne on the shoulders of the
Priests. Not only the mystic shrine itself, but
statues or images of the gods were frequently