Relief from the death temple of the Sahure: Syrian bears and vessels

The painted relief shows on two stripes the depiction of three Syrian brown bears (Ursus arctos syriacus) and a hanging jug. The bears each carry a neckband and are tied with a rope on a stand in the ground. Although the bears are not completely preserved, the careful and masterful rendering of the animals impresses and shows how exactly the Egyptian artists observed their motives. Bears were not native to Egypt. Such exotic animals were often kept by the kings, but also hunted. This should demonstrate political and military power over the foreign countries. Origin information: Sahure Abusir (Egypt/Lower Egypt) Death temple of the Sahure, north side of the column courtyard (temple) (Egyptian museum and collection of papyrus)