Identification Number: 03TR11U04arc01 and 04TR11U01arc01

Kerkenes Inventory ID: K03.169

Classification: Stone / Architectural Stone

Finding Type: Architectural Base

Item: Stepped slab or base

Material: Sandstone

Images

Photograph 05dpnk0408 by Murat Akar.Drawings by Ben Claasz Coockson.

Description

Stepped slab or base. Very fragmentary. There is a shallow recess in its uppermost surface. The element is cut from a highly distinctive, light-colored coarse sandstone which appears speckled. Almost half the slab/base has been recovered. Three larger fragments have been assembled from joining fragments. \nThe flat border or margin around the tops and the treads of the steps are smoothed with few visible traces of tool marks, the risers less well finished. The surface of the large recess on the top bears shallow tool marks, confirming that it was not intended to be visible. The side below the bottom step (i.e., the lowest riser) and the underside bear coarse tool marks made with an adze or chisel. Some surfaces have a reddish tinge which, like parts of the statue surface, seems to be the result of post-destruction staining.

Dimensions

Thickness of slab: 20.5 cm. Height of steps: top riser 1.5 cm, middle riser 3 cm, lowest riser 3.5 cm. Width of margin around the recess: 7.0 cm. Width of first step from top: 3.5 cm. Width of second step from top: 3.0 cm. Width of lowest step (not illustrated in full): 3.5 cm. The side below the bottom step (not illustrated although several fragments are extant) 12.5 cm. Depth of cut recess on top: 0.9 cm.

Context

Palatial Complex, Monumental Entrance. Trench 11.

Publication

For a full description see Catherine M. Draycott and Geoffrey D. Summers, Sculpture and Inscriptions from the Monumental Entrance to the Palatial Complex at Kerkenes Dağ, Turkey. Chicago: Oriental Institute, 2008.