Ptah, the creator god, is regarded as one of the
greatest deities in the Egyptian pantheon.
Ancient inscriptions describe him as “creator of
the earth, father of the gods and all the being of
this earth, father of beginnings.” He was
regarded as the patron of metalworkers and
artisans (possibly due to the fact that he was
believed to fashion the bodies of humans for the
afterlife) and as a mighty healer and is usually
represented as a mummy. The main center of his
worship was in Memphis and the power of the
High Priests of Memphis (a family of priest who
headed the temple of Ptah) at times rivaled that
of the Pharaohs. Traditionally, Ptah is depicted
wearing a tight fitting skullcap, as he is here. He
is wrapped in a tight fitting cloak, echoing the
wrapped cloth of a mummy. He wears a braided
false beard and a broad collar, the same types
commonly worn by the pharaohs. In his hands,
he carries the was-scepter, a symbol of well-
being that is shaped like a staff that is forked at
the bottom and surmounted by a canine head.
The Ancient Egyptians believed that was-scepter
contained the powers of a dog-like protective
spirit that symbolized life-giving powers.
Remains of gilding are still present, having
survived the ravages of time, attesting to the
luxurious nature of this work. Most likely, this
sculpture was buried alongside the deceased in
order to ensure a safe and prosperous journey
into the afterlife, where the spirit will be reborn,
thanks to the benevolence of Ptah.
- (X.0133)
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