Map Room Tanis Model Floor (mosaic with Staff-of-Ra slots)

The chamber floor of the Map Room is carved into a precise miniature replica of ancient Tanis. An elaborate mosaic line runs across the model and is inset with evenly spaced receptacle slots marked with seasonal symbols that receive the Staff of Ra's base/headpiece. At a specific time a single shaft of sunlight creeps across the model and strikes those slots; when Indy inserts and aligns the staff's headpiece in the correct slot the light projects down to reveal the location of the Well of Souls beneath the miniature.

1 appearances

Purpose

Aligns with sunlight beam and Staff of Ra to project the location of the Well of Souls on the miniature city model.

Significance

Delivers the plot-turning discovery of the Ark's hiding spot, igniting Indy's urgent race against Belloq and the Nazis.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

1 moments

S1E1 · RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK

Sunlight Reveals the Map — Staff Alignment

The Map Room Tanis Model Floor is the structural element that holds the miniature relief and the embedded mosaic line; it physically locates the alignment mechanism and supports the tableau that turns sunlight into revelation.

Before: Intact in situ as a carved floor model with embedded tiles and slots.

After: Continues to function as the alignment stage while the sunlight creeps across it, enabling Indy’s imminent action.

View full event