islamic art-stele-marble-inv.n.3710-found at Esna-Fatimid dated 1021 and 1169-IMG_4317

this funerary stele is remarkable on several ground. it is shaped like the greek letter sigma, a form that was in common use for Coptic altar tables. the muslim examples may well be an adptation of the coptic custom and the presence of figural ornamentation in the form of small birds above the letters at various points reinforces the supposition.another unusual feature is that the stele has two epitaphs engraved on it. the central inscription is notable for the variety of its forms, the outer arch having several letters that terminate in delicate flowering stems-stele-marble-inv.n.3710-found at Esna-Fatimid dated 1021 and 1169-IMG_4317