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Minister fanning sacred flame with flabellum
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Minister fanning sacred flame with flabellum
Festival of Isis, with minister fanning the sacred flame with flabellum and second minister with sword or scepter. Devotees playing sistrum, horns and drums. Copperplate engraving by Tommaso Piroli from his Antiquities of Herculaneum (Antichita di Ercolano), Rome, 1789
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Media ID 23151782
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Antichità Antiquities Devotee Drums Ercolano Festival Flame Fresco Herculaneum Horns Ibis Isis Minister Piroli Rite Ritual Sacred Scepter Sistrum Tommaso Flabellum
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This image, taken from Tommaso Piroli's Antiquities of Herculaneum (Antichità di Ercolano), published in Rome in 1789, depicts a sacred rite in honor of the ancient Egyptian goddess Isis. The central figure in the print is a minister, dressed in ceremonial attire, who fans the sacred flame with a flabellum or fan. The flame, symbolizing the divine presence of Isis, is protected and revered during this ritual. A second minister, holding a sword or scepter, stands beside the flame, symbolizing the goddess's power and authority. The devotees, dressed in traditional Egyptian garb, join in the celebration, playing musical instruments such as the sistrum, horns, and drums. The sistrum, a rattle with a distinctive shape, was believed to drive away evil spirits and summon the goddess. The horns and drums, meanwhile, created a joyful and festive atmosphere. The presence of the ibis, an animal sacred to Isis, adds to the authenticity of the scene. The ibis was believed to be a messenger of the goddess and was often depicted in Egyptian art. This copperplate engraving, created by Tommaso Piroli, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of ancient Egypt and the complex rituals that surrounded the worship of its gods and goddesses. The intricate details and vibrant colors of the print transport us back in time, allowing us to experience the magic and mystery of a bygone era.
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