Western Processional Way

Related Features

Originally built by Shoshenq I – 945 BCE to 924 BCE

Modified by Taharqo – 690 BCE to 664 BCE

Other works initiated by Shoshenq I:

Western Processional Way, Bubastite Portal, Shoshenq I Court

Other works initiated by Taharqo:

Taharqo Kiosk, Taharqo Edifice and Nilometer, Ramesses II Eastern Temple, Khonsu Temple, Western Processional Way

Introduction


Recumbent, ram-headed sphinxes on rectangular pedestals line the western entrance into Karnak temple. Osiride statuettes of Ramesses II stand between the front paws of the sphinxes. At the temple today, forty sphinxes grace the entrance to Pylon I, and fifty-two are contained within the Shoshenq Court. Traces of the original paint still remains on the some of the sphinxes.
Measurements: The pedestals measure 1.35m across by 1.70m deep, with a height of 0.43m. The sphinxes themselves vary between 3.6m-3.8m in length and 1.1m-1.2m in width.

Phases of Construction

Pinedjem

Pinedjem, a “high priest of Amun” at Karnak temple, placed some 100 sphinxes along the 200m processional pathway that stretched from the entrance of the temple of the time (Pylon II) to the temple quay. The sphinxes (originally carved during the reign of Amenhotep III and Thutmose IV) were probably cited at Luxor temple (about 2km south of Karnak) since the 19th Dynasty, where they were moved and usurped by Ramesses II. Pinedjem seems to have shifted the sphinxes from Luxor to Karnak, adding his name to them as well.

Construction materials: sandstone

About the reconstruction model of Pinedjem

Due to the complex nature of modeling statuary, a high resolution sphinx model was purchased from 3D Cad Browser, an image uploaded by Timothy Tokoas in 2002. The sphinx was modified extensively by Itay Zaharoaits in 2008 specifically for the Digital Karnak project. Imagery of the sphinxes taken at Karnak was added to the model to better recreate the appearance of the ancient statue. A simple sandstone pattern was added to the base. This single sphinx statue was duplicated to create the over 100 sphinxes represented on the model.

Shoshenq I

With the construction of his new first court to the temple, the line of sphinxes must have been nearly cut in half. Some remained in the court (their arrangement at this time is unknown), while some were placed before the new western gate to the temple.

Taharqo

During the reign of Taharqo, the addition of a large central kiosk in the Shoshenq I Court may have necessitated the regrouping of the sphinxes along the northern and southern walls of the first court. This is the arrangement of the sphinxes at the temple today.

Roman Era

The sphinxes outside the temple complex were regrouped again in the Roman Period and have remained in this location down to the present time. A space was left between the 7th and 8th sphinxes to give access to the complex of structures south of the quay.

Modern Site Photos

Documentation

Cabrol, Agnès. (2001),Les voies processionnelles de Thèbes. Orientalia Lovaniensia analecta. Leuven: Peeters, 97, xxxviii, 853 p..

Lauffray, Jean. (1971),Abords occidentaux du premier pylône de karnak, le dromos, la tribune et les aménagements portuaires. Kêmi: revue de philologie et d’archéologie égyptiennes et coptes. vol. 21 , 77-144.

Murnane, William. (1979),The Bark of Amun on the Third Pylon at Karnak. Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt. vol. 16 , 11-27.

what does eating cbd gummies feel like benefits of cbd gummies 1000mg cbd gummies and weight loss cbd gummies for sleep canada cbd lion gummies reviews shark tank products cbd gummies cbd gummies appetite suppressant cbd content in chill gummies cbd relax gummies near me cbd gummies in the uk are cbd gummies legal in new york state orange county cbd gummies uk theres also cbd and thc gummies cbd serenity gummies

diet pills yellow jackets billie eilish weight loss keto omad weight loss keto diet plus pills reviews fast way lose weight all natural weight loss supplements that work potato lose weight fast cellucor diet pills only two fda approved weight loss drugs weight loss pills china redacure stress fat belly pills quick exercises to lose belly fat does the stairmaster help lose belly fat celebrity weight loss drugs

zintrac male enhancement pills male enhancement pills bigger dick cod how to last longer for sex make marcus london male enhancement pills best sex pills for men without side effect how to natraly last longer in bed erection pills online penis enlargement medicine quora the purpose of ed pills best penis size pills big penis pills seal how to help your partner last longer in bed penis sensitivety pills dxl ed pills