Twee fragmenten van een fries met reliëf before 1868

These two fragments of a frieze were documented by William H. Griggs. The left fragment depicts a procession with elephants, figures leaving from the city gate, and other unidentifiable motifs; while the right fragment depicts what appears to be a boat. The motif of a procession, and especially the inclusion of elephants, resonates deeply, harking back to ancient power displays and religious ceremonies in the East. Consider how the elephant, a symbol of strength and wisdom, was historically used in royal processions, signifying dominion and divine blessing. This image echoes such displays, reminding us of the deep-seated human need to manifest authority and connect with the divine. The symbol of the boat connects us to the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. The voyage on the water is a profound symbol that stretches back to ancient Egypt and beyond, with the boat a symbol of passage. The image connects us to an emotional space of collective memory. The motifs in these fragments, though ancient and fragmented, speak to the enduring human quest for meaning, power, and spiritual connection, constantly reappearing throughout time.