Heb-Sed Festival Court

Creator

• Unknown

Files

Publisher

Saskia, Ltd., Cultural Documentation

Publication Date

1966

Time Period

2630-2610 BCE

Abstract

Heb-Sed Festival court, Precinct of Djoser, top of Pyramid of Userkaf can be seen in the background

Keywords

Old Kingdom, 3rd Dynasty, Ancient architecture, Courts (Built works), Limestone

Alt Text

Ancient stone ruins with large rectangular pillars and scattered blocks in a desert landscape under a clear sky. The structures are partially eroded, showing signs of age and weathering.

Extent

1 color photograph

Geographic Location

Egypt; Ṣaqqārah (Egypt)

Rights

This material is licensed by USF Libraries for the research and teaching needs of USF students, staff, and faculty only. See: https://lib.usf.edu/collections-and-discovery/collection-management/user-terms/

Access Restrictions

Only thumbnail images and descriptive information are available to non-USF users. Full access to this collection is available only to authorized users on the USF network on campus or via VPN.

Media Type

Color photographs

Format

Digital Only

Note

The Heb-Sed Festival Court is a ceremonial area within the complex, next to the stepped pyramid. The Heb-Sed tradition was usually held after 30 years (typically shorter) ruling to reaffirm the power of the pharaohs. The festival involved the king "chasing" a sacred bull around the courtyard and catching it by the tail, a sign of defeating opponents. Evidence suggests that Pharaoh Djoser may have performed this routine every 3 years rather than every 30 years. The court building was created as a resting place for the pharaoh's ka (spirit) to inhabit in the afterlife.

Identifier

A01-JEA0115

Recommended Citation

Unknown, "Heb-Sed Festival Court" (1966). Art and Art History Collection (Saskia). 65.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/saskia/65