Symbols, artwork and sculpture in ancient Deir el-Bahri
Published by Asya in Africa, Cultural, Egypt, History, Monuments
Deir el-Bahri is located on the west bank of the Nile River. There it sits greeting spectators as they enter the Valley of the Kings. The site is comprised of three temples, the Mortuary Temple of Mentuhotep, the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut II and the Mortuary Temple of Thutmoses III. The Temple of Deir El-Bahri is one of the most characteristic temples in the whole of Egypt, due to its design and decorations. It was built of limestone, not sandstone like most of the other funerary temples of the New Kingdom period.
The temple, designed by Senenmut, governor of the domains of Amun, in co-operation with the chief treasurer, Djehuty who recorded that he acted as chief, giving directions, I led the craftsmen to work in the works of Djeser-Djeseru. Hatshepsut was unique because she took on several male adornments while she ruled Egypt. Unlike most women of that time, she attached a false beard, wore male clothing, and was depicted in statutes as a pharaoh. She might have done this to make her transition to kingship and the acceptance of the priesthood more convincing. It may be that if she had ruled strictly with a more feminine-looking disposition she may not have been so readily accepted by the masses. Her strategy seemed to work and the priests supported her reign as pharaoh.
Traces of papyrus were found when the pools were excavated and tree pits, dug into the rocky ground and filled with Nile mud, surrounded the pools. The pools may have been used for rituals connected with plants and animals.
In any case, Hatshepsut has left a legacy of architectural and statuary elegance. Her temple built in the area of Thebes, at modern Deir el-Bahri, stands as a beautiful monument to her reign.
