Lion-Headed Goddess

The ancient Egyptians donated figures of their gods for use in temple rituals; smaller images served as amulets to ensure divine protection. Goddesses in particular were viewed as protective deities. From earliest times, Egyptians venerated a wide circle of feline-headed female deities, such as Sekhmet, Tefnut, Wadjet, and Bastet.This small silver figure represents Wadjet. She is standing wearing a long female garment, amulets and bracelets. At the top of her head is a large erected uraeus (cobra serpent). The goddess holds a ritual instrument in front of her body with her left hand; it is a usekh-collar with a lioness-head (also called an Aegis), which has a protective function.

Provenance:
Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit:
Acquired by Henry Walters

Period:
Third Intermediate Period

Creator:
Egyptian [Artist]

Website:
art.thewalters.org