The Stela of Padipare JE 65444 at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Abstract

This paper tackles the distinguished round-topped limestone sunken relief stela of Padipare from the 26th Dynasty, which is on display at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo (JE 65444). It is divided into two parts: the upper part is the lunette along with the main scene of Padipare’s family presenting offerings to Osiris and Isis, and the lower part contains the text in four horizontal lines. Based on its artistic features, Memphis is the provenance of the stela. This stela is significant because it documents the first and only mention of the name Padipare, the epithet of Osiris “spirit of his moringa tree”, the rare position “fAi ixt” of presenting offerings, as the individuals are carrying vessels above their shoulders, and the offerings of moringa seeds/fig fruits, which are depicted above a cup as small round dots. The importance of the stela has been acknowledged by scholars; however, no one has provided a complete study. The genealogy of Padipare’s family and the meanings of the names and titles on the stela will be covered in this study. A copy, transliteration, and translation of the text will also be provided, along with commentary on the stela’s marks and artistic features.