Commodus Stela (W946)

The Commodus Stela (W946) is a fascinating artifact from ancient Egypt. Let’s delve into its details:

• Description: The Commodus Stela is also known as the Sacred Cow Stela. It commemorates the mother of the Buchis Bull, which died in AD 190 during the reign of the Roman Emperor Commodus. The stela was discovered at the Baqaria, located in front of tomb 27 in Armant, a town south of Luxor. The Baqaria served as the burial place for mothers of the Buchis bull.
• Depiction: The stela depicts the mummified, crowned body of the cow lying on a pedestal. The goddess Isis stands between the cow and Commodus, who is offering incense and water as a libation gift.
• Inscription: There are five horizontal lines of inscription on the stela, with the date of the bull’s death recorded as AD 190.
• Symbolism: The Buchis bull was considered a representation of Re or Osiris on earth and was also linked to the war-god Montu.

This stela provides a glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of ancient Egypt, where offerings and rituals were essential aspects of honoring deities and sacred animals.