Object Description
A very fine, ancient Egyptian amulet, formed from a bright turquoise faience, in the form of the goddess Sekhmet. Modelled in the round, she is shown in her lioness-headed form, striding forwards, with her left leg placed in front of her right on a flat, rectangular, integral base. Her right arm is placed at her side, her hand balled into a fist, while her left is bent at the elbow, holding a papyrus sceptre; a typical attribute. The papyrus sceptre has a long stem, which spans the length of her legs, reaching the base. She wears a long, form-fitting shift dress. Her leonine face has been detailed with typically feline features, including a broad, flat forehead, inset, almond-shaped eyes with round pupils, and a flat, elongated snout. Her head is surrounded by a mane, detailed with linear grooves, and surmounted by a tripartite wig, with its front locks falling over each shoulder. A pair of pointed, triangular ears extend upwards from the top of her head. To the reverse, her shift dress clings to the rest of her body and a ribbed suspension loop has been added to the top of her head.
Date: Circa 1077-332 BC
Period: Third Intermediate Period – Late Period