| Benben | |
|---|---|
 Reconstructed apex of one of the pyramids (G1-d) of theGiza Plateau, symbolizing Benben. | |
| Type | Mound |
In thecreation myth of theHeliopolitan form ofancient Egyptian religion,Benben was the mound that arose from the primordial watersNu upon which thecreator deityAtum settled. The Benben stone is associated with the top stone of apyramid, which is called a pyramid'spyramidion (orbenbenet). It is also related to theobelisk.
In thePyramid Texts, e.g. Utterances 587 and 600, Atum himself is at times referred to as "mound". It was said to have turned into a small pyramid, located in Heliopolis (Egyptian:Annu orIunu), within which Atum was said to dwell. Other cities developed their own myths of the primeval mound. AtMemphis, the godTatenen, an earth god and the origin of "all things in the shape of food and viands, divine offers, all good things", was the personification of the primeval mound.
The Benben stone, named after the mound, was a sacred stone in thetemple ofRa at Heliopolis (Egyptian:Annu orIunu). It was the location on which the first rays of the sun fell. It is thought to have been the prototype for laterobelisks, and thecapstones of the great pyramids were based on its design. The capstone (the tip of the pyramid) is also called apyramidion. In ancient Egypt, these were probably polished or clad so they shone in sunlight.[citation needed]
Many Benben stones, often carved with images and inscriptions, are found in museums around the world.
The bird deityBennu, which was probably the inspiration for thephoenix, was venerated at Heliopolis, where it was said to be living on the Benben stone or on the holy willow tree.
According toBarry Kemp, the connection between the benben, the phoenix, and the sun may well have been based on alliteration: the rising,weben, of the sun sending its rays towards the benben, on which the bennu bird lives. Utterance 600, § 1652 of thePyramid Texts speaks of Atum asyou rose up, as the benben, in the Mansion of the Bennu in Heliopolis.[1]
From the earliest times, the portrayal of Benben was stylized in two ways; the first was as a pointed, pyramidal form, which was probably the model for pyramids and obelisks. The other form was round-topped; this was probably the origin of Benben as a free standing votive object and an object of veneration.[2]
During theFifth Dynasty, the portrayal of benben was formalized as a squat obelisk. Later, during theMiddle Kingdom, this became a long, thin obelisk.
In theAmarna Period tomb ofPanehesy, the benben is seen as a large, round-topped stela standing on a raised platform.[3]
