Mariette, Auguste; Dickerman, Lysander [Editor]: The monuments of Upper Egypt (Boston, 1890)

DECORATION OF TEMPLES.

Ii7

and at Denderah are called the treasury of the
temple * can be studied in reference to this
subject. The king presents himself at the
entrance of the chamber, holding in his hand
a coffer in which are enclosed ingots of gold and
silver, and precious stones. In the interior he
is represented as offering to the divinity neck-
laces, sistra, head-dresses enriched with precious
stones, mirrors, and sceptres. In the other
chambers,! which are the laboratories of the
temple, the king offers the sacred oils, essences,
and aromatics which are there prepared, and
which serve either to perfume the temple or to
anoint the statues of the gods. Now and then,
though unfortunately but seldom, we even find,
divided into several sections, the various succes-
sive scenes of a common action. On entering
the temple of Denderah by the magnificent hall
of twenty-four columns, we find immediately on
the right four pictures which are worthy of
attention. Before penetrating into the most
holy place the king must submit to a certain
initiation. In the first picture, he has his san-

*See hall J in the subjoined plan of the temple of
Denderah.

t See hall F in the plan of the temple of Denderah.