DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6551#0120
RETURN FROM UPPER EGYPT.
87
has yet been found under a sarcophagus, nor is any
vacancy or hollow to be observed in any of the pyra-
mids, where treasure could have been lodged. I then
entered several other tombs well worthy of examination,
although greatly injured, as might be expected, from
the length of time they have remained open. The en-
trances are not in general so much inclined as those
in the pyramids, nor do they appear to have been filled
up with solid masonry, but are generally covered with
inscriptions. In the entrance of No. 15 there were two
large medallions executed in white stucco, that have
precisely the appearance of ivory, and may have been
intended to represent that substance, in which, and in
gold Phidias, and Praxiteles are said to have chiefly
carved; and as the Hebrews, as well as the Greeks,
may be imagined to have carried arts, and sciences
with them from this wonderful country, these sculp-
tures may serve to explain, not only the works of the
above-mentioned artists, but also the ivory palaces
mentioned in Scripture. Processions of prisoners, or of
victims, are frequently represented, with their arms fast-
ened behind them, and with a rope round their necks,
possibly to denote, in the Grecian manner, slavery, or
Helotism. Some of these appear to be Jews; others
have scarfs over their shoulders, and their hair, which
is extremely bushy, cut square before, and behind,
with a perpendicular bald stripe behind their ears, and
a large tress hanging down each side of their faces.
Negroes, and different nations, are also portrayed, some
of whom are dressed in flowered garments. In other
places are figures without their heads, which are sepa-
rately represented with a sacrificial knife; also decapitated
87
has yet been found under a sarcophagus, nor is any
vacancy or hollow to be observed in any of the pyra-
mids, where treasure could have been lodged. I then
entered several other tombs well worthy of examination,
although greatly injured, as might be expected, from
the length of time they have remained open. The en-
trances are not in general so much inclined as those
in the pyramids, nor do they appear to have been filled
up with solid masonry, but are generally covered with
inscriptions. In the entrance of No. 15 there were two
large medallions executed in white stucco, that have
precisely the appearance of ivory, and may have been
intended to represent that substance, in which, and in
gold Phidias, and Praxiteles are said to have chiefly
carved; and as the Hebrews, as well as the Greeks,
may be imagined to have carried arts, and sciences
with them from this wonderful country, these sculp-
tures may serve to explain, not only the works of the
above-mentioned artists, but also the ivory palaces
mentioned in Scripture. Processions of prisoners, or of
victims, are frequently represented, with their arms fast-
ened behind them, and with a rope round their necks,
possibly to denote, in the Grecian manner, slavery, or
Helotism. Some of these appear to be Jews; others
have scarfs over their shoulders, and their hair, which
is extremely bushy, cut square before, and behind,
with a perpendicular bald stripe behind their ears, and
a large tress hanging down each side of their faces.
Negroes, and different nations, are also portrayed, some
of whom are dressed in flowered garments. In other
places are figures without their heads, which are sepa-
rately represented with a sacrificial knife; also decapitated