Temple of Ipsamhul. 6S 
The sand is now barred out by palm trunks and large stones, 
but unless a more effectual defence is provided, there is reason 
to fear, that the curious traveller will not be long gratified with 
the sight of a superb monument, which, until August 1817, 
had remained buried and concealed probably for many ages. 
Commencing at the south end of the facade, there is a slo- 
ping projection of 30 feet. At 4 feet 7 inches is the arm of the 
first colossal figure cut out of, and projecting from, the facade, 
between which and the figure there is a connecting block of 3 
feet thick. These figures cannot be styled Alto Relievos ; they 
are in fact Statues ; they measure 25 feet 5 inches across the 
shoulders, and four of them occupy the facade, which measures 
127 feet. The left shoulder of the first touches the right shoul- 
der of the second, and so on. The rock is brownish and soft, 
and easily cut by the chisel. The part out of which the sta- 
tues are formed is whitish, which adds to the effect. They are 
beautifully cut, and the proportions, notwithstanding their 
magnitude, and consequent want of models, are so perfectly just j 
that no feature predominates, and every part appears small, 
symmetrical, and graceful. 
The statue to the north, or right hand of the portal, is visible 
to the elbow : that immediately to the left, or south of the door, 
is somewhat mutilated : the statue beyond it is visible to below 
the shoulder ; while the second to the north is buried to nearly 
the forehead. The statues have the high mitred cap, with the ser- 
pent or good genius on the forehead. The nose, mouth, and 
chin are of the most delicate proportions. The corners of the 
mouth, almost approaching a smile, give an expression of mild- 
ness, while the other features bear a character of firmness. 
The neck and shoulders are admirably formed. The 
muscles of the chest and abdomen are in the happiest repose ; 
the nipple and navel being visible in front The statues are 
supposed to be naked to the middle, where we perceive a hand- 
some ceinture in zigzag lines, and a dress beneadi, striped per- 
pendicularly. 
Over the architrave .of the portal, is an alto relievo of Osi- 
ris Hierax, placed in a niche, and measuring 23 feet 2 inches.. 
* Although the statues are visible on the sides only to the elbows, still, from, 
the slope of the sand, they are in front visible below the navel. 
