Les statues de Taharqa et d’Aspelta découverts dans le temple méroïtique à Amon de Dangueil: la suite

Abstract

• Over several excavation seasons conducted at Dangeil Sudan, fragments of statues belonging to several early Kushite rulers of the 7th and 6th centuries BC were discovered, including a colossal statue of Taharqo and a small statue of Aspelta. These fragments were scattered throughout the destruction phase of an Amun temple of the 1st century AD. Dangeil was distant from the heart of Taharqo’s kingdom and is the furthest upstream that one of his statues has been found to date, though the creation of a royal statue cult here indicates the area was under direct royal control. Recent archaeological discoveries at Dangeil indicate a sizeable structure of early Kushite date, likely an earlier temple, preceded the later temple. It is probable that the statues originated here, and it might be envisioned that they originally stood in the forecourt or outer courts of this earlier building.