Tent pole columns

This type of column is well-known from depictions of light pavilions and booths, constructed from wood, matting and wickerwork. In tombs, these booths are often shown sheltering the deceased when inspecting work in the countryside. In stone however, they are used only once: in the festival temple of Tuthmosis III (18th dynasty) behind the Amun temple of Karnak.

Behind the columns, you can see a row of simple pillars. Such a combination of columns and pillars was not uncommon. Since the columns will usually attract the attention, the pillars can easily stay below the threshold of our perception.

Tuthmosis III was a general-king, who conducted dozens of military operations abroad. He must have spend a considerable portion of his life in light constructions - so it may have been for sentimental reasons, that he chose to use this column type for his festival temple.
 

Back to start         Previous         Next          Thumbnails