Object Description
An exceptional Ancient Egyptian amulet formed from vivid blue faience depicting the lion-headed goddess Sekhmet. The figure is depicted standing upright and facing forwards, draped in long robes. Her right arm rests at her side, her left is brought to her chest and holds a papyrus sceptre, a typical motif for the goddess. The face has been intricately carved, with careful incisions detailing the folds of the snout, her pointed ears and sunken eyes. A sun disc rests atop her head, referencing her role as a daughter of Ra and her fiery temperament. The front locks of her tripartite wig fall from either shoulder, mirroring each other to meet at the top of the sceptre. The composition is rich with symmetry and balance and the reverse is flat and unadorned. Earthy encrustations and minor wear feature across the surface. Some chipping to the sceptre. The amulet has been perforated horizontally at the back of the head for suspension.
Date: Circa 664-332 BC
Period: Late Period