Some Remarks on the Palm Columns from the Pronaos of Herakleopolis Magna *

Abstract

The palm columns from the pronaos of Herakleopolis Magna reveal several aspects of Ramesside architecture: traces of the effaced inscription panel on the shafts confirm earlier hypotheses that the columns were usurped by Ramesses II; discrepancies in the craftsmanship between the column groups of the east and the west halves of the pronaos indicate that these occurred accidentally through the miscommunication of two groups of workmen. It is also suggested Khaemwaset, the fourth son of Ramesses II, was possibly involved in the construction of the pronaos.