ICCROM Mora Samples Collection
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Bab Al-Kalabsha: MRA-EGY-Bab001

Type Sample Item

Sample ID

MRA-EGY-Bab001

Sample Material Type

Mural painting

Sample Sub-type

fragment

Dimensions (cm)

Length
2
Width
1.1
Height
0.28
Notes
Largest fragment

Weight

weight value (g)
1.02
Notes
Largest fragment

Other info about sample identity

Kalapsha [ hand writen note beside the sample]

Geographic Location

Country
Egypt
Place
Bab Al-Kalabsha

Site/monument

Egypt (EGY)
Bab al-Kalabsha
Temple of Kalabsha (also Temple of Mandulis)

Historical note about the site/monument

This temple, dedicated to a Nubian sun god (Mandulis), was built around the year 30 BC, in the Roman period. Located on the west bank of the Nile, it was erected over a previous structure which was a sanctuary to Amenhotep II. Despite being considered an important example of the Egyptian architecture in Nubia, the temple remained incomplete. The building, beautifully decorated by high relieves, was later used as a church, during the period when Christian religion arrived to Egypt. In 1960’s it was necessary to relocate the temple due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam, and the rise of the waters of Lake Nasser, as it was the case of Abu Simbel and other temples.

Further reading:
Oakes, Lorna, Pyramids, Temples and Tombs of Ancient Egypt: An Illustrated Atlas of the Land of the Pharaohs, Hermes House: Anness Publishing Ltd, 2003.
Kamil, Jill, Upper Egypt and Nubia: The Antiquities from Amarna to Abu Simbel, Egyptian International Publishing Company, 1996.

Chronological period (sample)

1st century BC

Date of sampling

Unknown
Yes

Support

Moderate (has some deterioration features such as lack of cohesion/adhesion) and ideally should not be removed from its holder

Finishing Layers

Moderate (has some deterioration features such as lack of cohesion/adhesion) and ideally should not be removed from its holder
Fig.1. sample overview (front). Photo by M.Gil2018 © ICCROM Archives
Fig.2. sample overview (reverse). Photo by M.Gil2018 © ICCROM Archives
Fig.3. sample profile. Photo by M.Gil2018 © ICCROM Archives
Temple of Kalabsha, by Iris Fernandez, Ancien World Image Bank (New York: Institute for the Study of the Ancient World, 27 February 2009) https://www.flickr.com/photos/34561917@N04/5912637977/, used under terms of a Creative Commons Attribution license.
Fig.1. sample overview (front). Photo by M.Gil2018 © ICCROM Archives

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