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columns
These are perhaps better described as pillars, as the most famous examples show that they were not, on the whole, load-bearing columns. The shafts were ribbed, circular or square and the capital is in the form of a flower. Some of the most beautiful can be found in the Hall of Annals of Thuthmosis III at Karnak where there are two pillars:
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Papyrus: the heraldic plant of Lower Egypt. This pillar is placed symbolically on the northern side of the hall.
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Lily: the heraldic plant of Upper Egypt. This pillar is placed symbolically on the southern side of the hall. This pillar is placed symbolically on the northern side of the hall.
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| Papyrus (Lower Egypt) | Lily (Upper Egypt) |
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| Papyrus: Hall of Annals, Karnak | Lily: Hall of Annals, Karnak |