Holding up the sky

A few years ago while doing some unrelated research in Logos, I came across some images of altars of some sort, from both Egyptian and maybe Mesopotamian sources, in the shape of creatures holding up a curved surface. Sort of like holding up the sky. These were photos of either sculptures or reliefs. I now cannot for the life of me find these images.

Does anyone know what I'm talking about here, and can you point me in the right direction to rediscover them? Thanks.

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DMB

Search-wise, the closest I could get good examples: support NEAR sky

Then discussions of the temple's sea

Not what you're describing, but Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary locates the closest match to Ezekiel 1 (end of Iconography article) and the likely 4 creatures supporting the sky (vs the usual pillars)

Beloved Amodeo

A few years ago while doing some unrelated research in Logos, I came across some images of altars of some sort, from both Egyptian and maybe Mesopotamian sources, in the shape of creatures holding up a curved surface. Sort of like holding up the sky. These were photos of either sculptures or reliefs. I now cannot for the life of me find these images.

Does anyone know what I'm talking about here, and can you point me in the right direction to rediscover them? Thanks.

I believe you are referring to the Egyptian goddess Nut. I found this image in the Logos version of the Encyclopedia Britannica

Christopher Kou

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1056454#Comment_1056454

I believe you are referring to the Egyptian goddess Nut. I found this image in the Logos version of the Encyclopedia Britannica

I am not referring to Nut, actually. I was aware of these representations. The thing I am looking for is specifically a 3D representation (either sculpture or relief).

And I know I saw it, because I made a mental note of it at the time. If I recall correctly it was 2-4 creatures supporting an upside down dish-like object, where the top surface appeared to be some sort of altar or table. I am almost certain there were multiple examples of this concept.

NB.Mick

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/1056455#Comment_1056455

I am not aware of a relief or 3D picture but in Greek mythology the giant Atlas (like the mountain range in north-wesr Africa) is holding up the heavy sky. Heracles once stepped in for a time and those adventures were often displayed in art. Hope this helps you finding it.

Christopher Kou

Okay, I found what I was looking for. I guess my memory isn't as good as I thought. These were not reliefs or sculptures, but traced papyri.

Figures 17 and 18 on p.26 in:

Keel, Othmar. The Symbolism of the Biblical World: Ancient Near Eastern Iconography and the Book of Psalms. Translated by Timothy J. Hallett. Winona Lake, IN: Eisenbrauns, 1997

Bibliographical reference:

17. Papyrus of Ani, 18th Dynasty (1570–1345 B.C.); BM. S. Schott, “Weltbild,” p. 185. W. Westendorf, Sonnenlauf, pl. 6.
18. Papyrus (Book of the Dead), New Kingdom (1570–1085 B.C.); Dublin, Trinity College. E. Naville, Todtenbuch, vol. 1, pl. 27.

They do seem similar to the bronze sea, as someone suggested here. That is why I was looking for them! [:D] Thanks everyone!

Chris