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HOME :
Egyptian Antiquities :
Miscellaneous : Faience Pendant of Sekhmet
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Faience Pendant of Sekhmet - PF.6133
Origin: Egypt
Circa: 750
BC
to 250
BC
Dimensions:
1.625" (4.1cm) high
Collection: Egyptian
Medium: Faience
$1,800.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Sekhmet, along with her husband the creator-
god Ptah and their son Nerfertum, was part of
the powerful trio of deities that protected
Ancient Memphis. She was a sun
goddess, embodying the scorching, burning,
destructive heat of the sun. Fierce goddess of
war, the destroyer of the enemies of Ra and
Osiris, she was represented as having the head
of a lioness and the body of a female human.
Like the sun, her temper was uncontrollable. In
the legend of Ra and Hathor, Sekhmet's anger
became so great, she would have destroyed all of
mankind if Ra
had not taken pity on us and made her drunk.
This diminutive pendent is a masterpiece of
intricacy. One needs an optical aid
to fully appreciate the subtle details and minute
carving of this sculpture. Originally, this ancient
statuette would have been worn as a pendant
hung on a chain, as is evident from the drilled
hole behind the goddess’s head. She is depicted
seated upon a throne with the head of a lion and
the body
of a human. The features of the
lioness are remarkably naturalistic, and yet, at
the same time, we can sense the power of her
divinity. Perhaps this pendant once graced the
neck of a high-ranking official from the city of
Memphis. Surely, given the symbolic
significance of Sekhmet and the absolute
mastery of the carving, this pendant
was worn only by an elite member of Ancient
Egyptian society.
Certain objects, masterpieces treasured
in their own time, are of an
eternal beauty that is easily appreciated
regardless of era or culture.
This pendant is one such stunning
example; a reminder of the tremendous
splendor humanity is able to create when at the
apex of a great civilization.
- (PF.6133)
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