Stela (monument)
Article
July 1, 2022
Stela (from the Greek, στήλη, stēlē; plural, στήλαι, stēlai and from the Latin stela; plural, stelae) is the denomination of a monument, usually monolithic with inscriptions, in the form of a tombstone, pedestal or cippus, which stands on the ground and it can have a commemorative, funerary, religious, magical-healing or geographical function. Texts, signs, symbols, and figures were inscribed on them, describing the reason for their location, constituting important documents for archaeologists and historians, supported by specialists in epigraphy. They are normally monolithic, made of various stone materials and various sizes, some of which can reach large dimensions. The commemorative stelae, of a funerary nature, were erected from remote dates, by peoples of diverse cultures and regions, continuing their use today.