Page:A History of Art in Ancient Egypt Vol 2.djvu/129

 The Egyptian Orders. 107 was Hathor alone selected for such a distinction ? What is the meaning of the small naos or shrine upon her head ? The explanation is still uncertain. Perhaps it is to be found in the simple fact that the word Hathor means the dwelling of Horus. This capital is found in the tombs as well as in the temples. We reproduce (Fig. 88) a hathoric pier from the tomb of a certain Nefer-Hotep who lived under the eighteenth dynasty ; it is now in the museum at Boulak. The anterior face displays the mask of Hathor over the symbol tet, which has been interpreted to m&2iX~ steadfastness or stability} A rich collar hangs down upon her breast. ir .- : ! Fig. 85. — Pier with capital, Kamak ; from the elevation of Prisse. On a column in the speos of Kalabche we find the band of hieroglyphs repeated upon four faces (Fig. 89). The flutes of this column are unusually numerous and closely spaced, and it therefore approaches the true cylindrical form. The abacus, however, which overhangs the shaft at every point, still serves to recall the monolithic pier and the tablet which was reserved at its summit when its angles were first struck off in order to eive freer passage to the light. The faggot-shaped column (Fig. 90) is not to be explained by any theory of development from the pier. We have reproduced its upper and lower extremities, together with the entablature and flat roof which it supports. The extreme ^ See PiERRET, Didionnaire d' Archlologk Eg-ptienne.