The civilisation of Ancient Egypt emerged around 5,000 years ago when a number of independent city-states united under the rule of one king. For much of the next 3,000 years, Egypt was the leading power in the Mediterranean. The annual flooding of the River Nile created fertile earth for farming, a key factor in the civilisation’s prosperity and endurance. The pharaoh (ruler) was both high priest and military leader, responsible for the well-being of the state and the Egyptian people.
At different times in its history, Egypt extended its empire over neighbouring areas and itself endured long periods of foreign domination. But Egypt was also linked to other countries through trade, and many foreigners were integrated into Egyptian society. Egyptian culture nonetheless remained distinctive and aspects of its architecture, art and religion spread across the ancient world.
(The British Museum)
Artifact code 9006
Seated statue of the goddess Sekhmet
18th Dynasty, around 1350 B.C.
Probably from Thebes, Egypt
Granodiorite
The Egyptian goddess, Sekhmet was associated with destruction. Her name means "she who is powerful", and she is represented as a lion-headed woman. It is thought that over 700 statues of the goddess were set up at the mortuary temple of the pharaoh Amenthotep
III (ruled 1390- 1352 BC) in western Thebes. Many were later moved to the temple of Mut at Karnak, where this example have been found.
(The British Museum)
------------------------------------------------------------------ As I first came in, the statue strucked me as Regal and Majestic. Though it made me felt rather....afraid!
Extra information:
Sekhmet is known for being one of the oldest Egyptian deities. She is the Solar deity, the Warrior goddess, the goddess of healing etc.
She is represented as a lion-headed goddess since the female lioness is the true hunter, as observed by the Egyptians.
Most of her statues shows her holding the ankh of life.
At times, it is also with the addition of a sun disc on her head as she is represented by the intensifying head of the sun.
The picture below is her supposed full form.
Unfortunately, the statue I saw in the museum, had no sceptre or sun disc.
Sekhmet
Image link
Sekhmet was eapecially idolized by King
Amenhotep III. He had about 730 statues of
her in his mortuary temple located at the west of Thebe.
King Amenhotep
(1390- 1352 BC)
King Amenhotep Mortuary Temple
Four statues dug out of the
Mortuary Temple.
Seated and standing.
Links for more information:
Sekhmet
King Amenhotep III
Statues of Sekhmet found, Br Museum
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