Definition of stela in English:
stela
nounPlural stelae ˈstiːləˈstēlə
Archaeology An upright stone slab or column typically bearing a commemorative inscription or relief design, often serving as a gravestone.
Example sentencesExamples
- The sites are fascinating for their pyramids, sculpture, frescoes and stelae (carved stone slabs depicting various ceremonies).
- There are building stones for temples and pyramids; ornamental stones for vessels, stelae, sarcophagi, statues and other sculptures; and precious stones for jewelry.
- Scribes carved hieroglyphs on stone stelae, altars, wooden lintels, and roof beams, or painted them on ceramic vessels and in books made of bark paper.
- At each corner of the square slab stood four upright stelae.
- Many of these Han burials were readily identifiable by inscribed stone stelae, tablets recording the name, titles, and dates of the deceased.
Origin
Late 18th century: via Latin from Greek (see stele).