This Funerary Stela comes from the Byzantine period in Egypt. This object is carved in stone and was likely covered in paint, as a monument honoring the deceased. There is a message about the deceased on the surface, which mentions the date of passing came during December. The fish near the bottom may be representative of cultural or religious icons, though fish was very prevalent in Egypt’s diet and culture.

—Evan Morgans

Catalogue Record, Metropolitan Museum of Art