Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
An anthropomorphic stele is a stone slab or pillar carved with a human figure or figures. These sculptures were often used as grave markers or commemorative monuments in ancient civilizations.
Related terms
Funerary Art: Funerary art refers to artistic objects created for burial rituals or tombs. It can include sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and other items meant to accompany the deceased into the afterlife.
Ancient Egyptian Art: Ancient Egyptian art encompasses the visual arts produced by the ancient Egyptians, including sculptures, paintings, and hieroglyphic inscriptions.
Olmec Colossal Heads: The Olmec civilization of Mesoamerica created large stone heads that depicted human faces. These colossal heads are considered one of their most iconic artistic achievements.