Third Intermediate Period, XXI-XXII Dynasty, Ca. 1085-713 BC
A large Egyptian faience amulet of Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess of the sun, destruction, war, and healing. The deity is shown seated on a throne constructed using the openwork technique. The snake-headed god Nehebkau is depicted to the sides, whilst a djed pillar is carved at the back of the royal seat; an integral suspension loop features behind the goddess’ head. Sekhmet herself wears a tripartite wig, a long gown and holds a sistrum, a percussion instrument used in religious ceremonies. Her feline face is rendered with recessed eyes, furrowed brows, tapered snout and a short mane. Two very minor glaze flakes on the corners of the integral slab base, otherwise an exceptional quality example. Custom black lucite tiered base. For similar see: The Metropolitan Museum, accession number: 26.7.868.

Provenance: Ex. Ariadne Gallery, NYC., European Private Collection, acquired in Brussels, early 1970’s. Private collection, Pennsylvania, USA. Art Loss Report S00098626.