Amarna cow slaughter

This painted limestone talatat originally came from the dismantled experimental capital of Akhetaten (modern Tel el-Amarna) founded by Akhenaten, but was used as building fodder in Hermopolis, likely during the reign of king Ramesses II.

The piece depicts a bald man in a pleated wrapped kilt (shendyt) slaughtering cows. It is possible that the man depicted is a priest due to his shaven head. The cows are “hogged-tied”, and their udders are visible.

Summary:

Cow slaughtering
New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, c. 1352-1334 B.C.
Originally from Tel el-Amarna (ancient Akhetaten), resused for building works in Hermopolis
Now on display at the Kunsthistorisches Museum. INV 9963