Ryan Jones 1/18/11

Period 1

1) What is the object you have chosen?

The object I have chosen is the Egyptian obelisk. It is a four-sided tapering pillar of

stone topped with a pyramid. (obelisk)

2) Who created it originally?

The Egyptians originally created the obelisk. The ancient Egyptian obelisks are now

located in eight different country’s. In total there are 26 known ancient Egyptian

obelisks, which are located in many different countries. Obelisks were later made in

other country’s and city’s such as Rome. (Egyptian Obelisks)

3) Where was it located? Is it still there?

The ancient Egyptian obelisks were all originally created in Egypt. Many obelisks

were built in front of pyramids or tombs. Eventually some were moved to other

countries such as UK, USA, France, and Italy. (Redford)

4) What was its original purpose? Did it change over time?

Ancient Egyptian obelisks were believed to act as magical protection to the

monuments such as temples and tombs. Ancient Egyptians believed that the obelisk

symbolized the sun god Ra. Obelisks original purpose was to protect the temple or

tomb it was in front of and it was a symbol of worship to Ra. It’s purpose now is just

to be a monument and has no real purpose. (Egyptian Obelisks)

5) What does the object tell us about the cultural values and/or beliefs of the

people who created it?

The obelisks tell us that the Egyptians greatly worshipped their gods because they

were a worship to the sun god Ra. It also tells us that they greatly valued their tombs

and pyramids because they were placed in front of them as a symbol of protection.

(Egyptian Obelisks)

6) Did it have any lasting impact on other cultures?

It did have a slight impact on other cultures. It does not have any practical uses or

purposes in modern times but it is used as a monument. (Redford)

 Works Cited

“Egyptian Obelisks.” King-Tut.org.uk N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Jan 2011.

<http://www.king-tut.org.uk/ancient-egypt/egyptian-obelisks.htm>

"obelisk." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2011.

Web. 18 Jan. 2011.

Redford, Donald. Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egypt. Volume 2. Oxford University

Press, 2001. 561-563. Print.

1) How did you make it?

To make it I glued together tongue depressors to make walls then cut them to the

shape of obelisk walls. Then I colored tem with a tea bag and then glued them

together. After that I glued together more tongue depressors to make the top and

glued that on.

2) What materials did you use?

The materials I used were tongue depressors, wood glue, scissors, and a box cutter.

3) How long did it take you?

It took me 5 hours to build the obelisk.

4) Did you have to change your original ideas about making it?

I did not have to change my original ideas about making it.

5) Did anyone help you create your visual? How?

My dad showed me how to cut the walls into the right shape.