ping
These obelisks are fascinating things. I don't know much about them, other than they're often phallic monuments to some goddess of fertility or to some great man's potency. And that there's an obelisk outside of St. Peter's with a cross placed on top of it. And that in Scripture they're called "asherim" or "asher poles," and that when the Jews came across them they were to utterly destroy them (rather than save them or "redeem" them somehow).
That said, it's good that these folks have their artwork back. It is an impressive work.
FWIW, when my wife and I visit Washington DC, I always remark on how large Washington's is....
Please FREEPMAIL me if you want on, off, or alter the "Gods, Graves, Glyphs" PING list --
Archaeology/Anthropology/Ancient Cultures/Artifacts/Antiquities, etc.
The GGG Digest -- Gods, Graves, Glyphs (alpha order)
Axum, alleged by some to be the current residence of the Ark of the Covenant.