Head of a Goddess
New Kingdom
Not on view
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 relief.