Offering Table
Sandstone
X-Group (3rd century AD)
Babkalabsha, Hill Sanctuary
OIM 35593

The ancient Nubians worshipped a variety of gods and goddesses; some they held in common with the Egyptians, while others were of Nubian origin. Amun was one of the most important gods, associated with the sun and the forces of nature, and was worshipped by Egyptians and Nubians alike. The Nubians represented Amun as a ram with a sun disk above his head and they believed that the king of Nubia was the son of Amun. 
 
Nubian religion included a belief in the afterlife, with burial practices that evolved over time. Objects needed in the next life were often buried with the dead, along with statues depicting Nubian gods.

Since the Nubians believed in life after death they also supplied their dead with water and food. This small, delicately carved offering table represents a pool with stairs that provided access to cool water for the dead. The pool was also a symbol of purification, and sacred lakes were situated next to temples for the ritual purification of priests. The plant forms carved onto the stone allude to vegetation and growth as well as fertility and rebirth. The table is in the shape of the Egyptian hieroglyph hetep, which means “offering” or “satisfied.”