Egyptian Sekhmet statue / sculpture fragment replica - Goddess of power and might - Daughter of Ra - wife of Ptah

Sekhmet

Height of statue fragment :-

33 cm /13 inches


Total height - 48.5 cm / 19-1/8 inches approx.

Stand base :-

13.5cm x 13.5 cm / 5-1/4 x 5-1/4 inches


On offer here is a stunning replica fragment of the powerful and feisty Egyptian goddess Sekhmet. This is a large, almost half life size fragment of a once standing statue of the anthropomorphic goddess. That she was once standing can be determined by the remaining support pillar that can be seen in the rear view. A beautifully sculptured face, her engraved whiskers and ears are well defined.

Her eyes are hollow which suggests she once would have had stone or even crystal eye inlays that would heighten her presence in a temple situation.
She wears an impressive example of the sun disc of Ra on her head complete with protective divine cobra at it's base. A stylized mane encircles the face with two lappets of striped hair falling just above her prominent breasts.

Made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone, Sekhmet has been given a well developed aged patina with red and yellow ochre defining the sun disc.
She is mounted upon a removable felt lined stand.

Background information

Sekhmet - her name translates to ' the one who is powerful'.......a direct link to the attributes of the lioness, the most feared predator in the ancient Nile valley and the inspiration behind Sekhmet's form.

Sekhmet was known throughout the land as one of the most polarizing of Egyptian deities whose power could be harnessed as a protector and a healer, however the reverse attributes were also to be carefully handled.

Her power was sought by the Pharaoh in times of war as she was known as a divine warrior goddess who would project dread into the hearts of the enemies of Egypt. One of her many daunting titles 'the one before whom evil trembles' is befitting of her capacity for rage.

Her very breath was said to have created the deserts.

Also known as one of the daughters of Ra, the sun disc can be present in her iconography, a feature shared with Hathor and the less aggressive cat goddess Bastet.

Her husband was the god of arts and creativity - Ptah of Memphis.