Funerary stele depicting a lion

myminifactory

Funerary Stele Depicts a Lion Roaring in Fury The final years of the 2nd century Gunékeui (near Gédiz, in KizilDagh) witnessed the creation of an exquisite marble stele now proudly displayed at the Musée du Cinquantenaire in Brussels, Belgium. Crafted with precision using ReMake and ReCap Pro from AutoDesk, this stunning artifact tells a story of reverence and protection. At its center, a beautifully carved door takes center stage, flanked by two ornate doors adorned with intricate moldings and a lock that cleverly mimics the shape of a leafy vine. Below, two cassettes feature a sturdy vase (urceus) and a door ring, while the jamb is lavishly decorated with plant motifs. Surrounding this central panel lies a smooth frame, within which a horizontal banner proudly proclaims: "Marcos Sestullios Sévéros honors his foster father, Mr. Sestullios Pindaros." This poignant epitaph serves as a testament to the enduring bond between Marcos and his cherished relative. Above, in a half-hexagonal pediment, a semi-circle is skillfully hollowed out within a niche. Here, a powerful lion is depicted in a squatting position, its fierce gaze a warning to potential grave robbers. As an animal closely associated with Cybele, this fearsome creature was a fitting choice to protect the final resting place of the Sestullii family. Given the fact that the Sestulii held dominion over the Altintash Plain, it is likely that this magnificent stele originated from this very region.