Head of a Goddess ca. 1550–1504 New Kingdom This goddess, whose features are remarkably reminiscent of images of Amenhotep I, second king of Dynasty 18, is probably Seshat, a deity in charge of writing and record keeping. In temples, the goddess is frequently depicted documenting a king's official names or recording the amount of booty he has brought home from a military campaign. Most importantly, she invariably joins the king in the ceremony of "stretching the cord," a ritual performed at the foundation of temples and other important buildings. This latter occupation made Seshat a prote
Head of a Goddess ca. 1550–1504 New Kingdom This goddess, whose features are remarkably reminiscent of images of Amenhotep I, second king of Dynasty 18, is probably Seshat, a deity in charge of writing and record keeping. In temples, the goddess is frequently depicted documenting a king's official names or recording the amount of booty he has brought home from a military campaign. Most importantly, she invariably joins the king in the ceremony of "stretching the cord," a ritual performed at the foundation of temples and other important buildings. This latter occupation made Seshat a protector of builders and architects. We do not know in which of these functions the goddess was depicted in this Head of a Goddess. ca. 1550–1504 Limestone, paint. New Kingdom. From Egypt. Dynasty 18
Size: 2000px × 1733px
Photo credit: © MET/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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