Divine Egypt

Gallery Installation shot with Egyptian artifacts

The falcon Horus, lion-headed Sakhmet, shrouded Osiris–the gods of ancient Egypt have captivated the public imagination for centuries. They assume a variety of forms that are sometimes human, sometimes animal, and often both. This is just one aspect of the gods’ iconography, or the visual traits and symbols that identify them. The imagery associated with many deities underwent frequent expansions and adaptations. In a belief system defined by its flexibility, gods could share roles, merge together, and even take on the attributes of other deities.

This exhibition examines ancient Egypt’s principal gods and how worshippers—both royal and not—chose to represent them. In a civilization that lasted some three thousand years and stretched more than eight hundred miles along a river valley, change in religious belief over time and diversity in local traditions were commonplace.

From small amulets to monumental temple sculptures, the works on display here invite us to consider ancient Egypt through the lens of its own religion. The roles and appearances of the gods offer an important window onto how the people who created them attempted to make sense of their complex and ever-changing world.

Selected Artworks

View all

A slider containing 1 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Statue of Amun-Re protecting King Tutankhamun, Stone - Diorite — Statue of Amun-Re protecting King Tutankhamun
ca. 1336‒1327 BCE

Expressing the Divine

The deities Hathor and Horus have been chosen to introduce the complexity of the ancient Egyptian divine landscape and demonstrate the types of characteristics and symbols that can identify a divine image. Both gods originated early in Egyptian history, Horus by about 3100 BCE and Hathor by about 2600 BCE, and appeared throughout ancient temples, shrines, and tombs. Hathor has numerous manifestations, while Horus’s imagery is remarkably consistent. Over time, their symbols and traits were given to many other deities.

Hathor, a goddess usually shown with a head ornament composed of cow horns and a sun disk, is among a small group of deities who take distinct forms to serve particular roles. These varying aspects reflect both Hathor’s long-standing importance and her responsibility for multiple aspects of Egyptian life.

Horus defines kingship, and the pharaoh consistently identified with him. Horus’s use of falcon imagery is not unique, however, and other gods—Re-Harakhty, Montu, and Sokar, for example—can also appear as a falcon-headed man.

Selected Artworks

View all

A slider containing 33 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Relief fragment with Hathor in human form, Stone - Limestone
<br/>Paint — Relief fragment with Hathor in human form
ca. 2051‒2000 BCE

Cylinder seal with an image of seated Hathor, Green muscovite (fuchsite) — Cylinder seal with an image of seated Hathor
ca. 2490–2472 BCE

Arc sistrum with a hymn to Hathor, Faience — Arc sistrum with a hymn to Hathor
332–30 BCE

Shrine sistrum of King Apries, Faience — Shrine sistrum of King Apries
589–570 BCE

Amulet of a rearing cobra with a Hathor-emblem head, Faience — Amulet of a rearing cobra with a Hathor-emblem head
ca. 1070–332 BCE

Mirror with a papyrus-shaped handle displaying a Bat-like face, Silver disk with a wood (modern) handle sheathed in gold; the inlays are modern — Mirror with a papyrus-shaped handle displaying a Bat-like face
ca. 1479–1425 BCE

Arc sistrum of Tapenu, chantress of Sobek of Khenyt, Cupreous metal — Arc sistrum of Tapenu, chantress of Sobek of Khenyt
ca. 1186–600 BCE

Face of the goddess Bat, Lapis lazuli, gold, travertine (Egyptian alabaster) — Face of the goddess Bat
ca. 1100–664 BCE

Painted Linen Depicting the Priest Tjanefer and his Family before the Goddess Hathor, Linen, paint — Painted Linen Depicting the Priest Tjanefer and his Family before the Goddess Hathor
ca. 1295–1186 BCE

Stela with bull-headed Mnevis, Stone - Calcite — Stela with bull-headed Mnevis
ca. 1126‒1108 BCE

Pectoral with bovine head crowned with disk, horns and feathers, Cupreous metal, carnelian — Pectoral with bovine head crowned with disk, horns and feathers
664–200 BCE

Hathor-headed pendant, Gold, rock crystal — Hathor-headed pendant
ca. 747‒713 BCE

Kneeling statue of Amenemopetemhat holding the Hathor emblem, Metagraywacke — Kneeling statue of Amenemopetemhat holding the Hathor emblem
664–610 BCE

Head from the statue of a cow goddess, Stone - Lapis Lazuli
<br/>Stone - Rock crystal<br/>
Stone - Calcite — Head from the statue of a cow goddess
ca. 1473–1425 BCE

Head of a cow goddess, Porphyritic diorite — Head of a cow goddess
ca. 1295–1070 BCE

Column with Hathor-emblem capital and names of Nectanebo I on the shaft, Limestone, paint — Column with Hathor-emblem capital and names of Nectanebo I on the shaft
380–362 BCE

Group statue of Hathor in four of her aspects, Stone - Quartzite — Group statue of Hathor in four of her aspects
ca. 1295–1070 BCE

Statuette of the Apis bull, Serpentinite — Statuette of the Apis bull
322‒30 BCE

Lintel depicting King Amenemhat I flanked by Nekhbet, Horus, Anubis, and Wadjet, Limestone, paint — Lintel depicting King Amenemhat I flanked by Nekhbet, Horus, Anubis, and Wadjet
ca. 1981–1952 BCE

Lintel depicting Horus offering an <em>ankh</em> sign to the Horus name of King Amenemhat I, Limestone, paint — Lintel depicting Horus offering an *ankh* sign to the Horus name of King Amenemhat I
ca. 1981–1952 BCE

Statuette of a king united with a falcon, Faience — Statuette of a king united with a falcon
332–30 BCE

Pendant of Horus wearing the double crown, Electrum over plaster — Pendant of Horus wearing the double crown
ca. 1850–1700 BCE

<em>Wedjat</em> eye amulet with a wing and other elements, Faience — *Wedjat* eye amulet with a wing and other elements
ca. 1070–664 BCE

<em>Wedjat</em> eye amulet with baboons, Faience — *Wedjat* eye amulet with baboons
1070–664 BCE

Inlay of the Horus falcon on the hieroglyph for "gold", Faience — Inlay of the Horus falcon on the hieroglyph for "gold"
360–343 BCE

<em>Wedjat</em> eye amulet from a bracelet, Faience — *Wedjat* eye amulet from a bracelet
ca. 1550–1070 BCE

Relief with Horus Who-Is-in-the-Great-Enclosure embracing a king (Qahedjet), Limestone — Relief with Horus Who-Is-in-the-Great-Enclosure embracing a king (Qahedjet)
ca. 2600‒2550 BCE or ca. 1070‒664 BCE

Wine jar with early <em>serekh</em>, Pottery — Wine jar with early *serekh*
ca. 3300–2960 BCE

Model falcon standard, Wood - Uncategorized — Model falcon standard
664 BCE‒4th century BCE

Double statue of King Haremhab and Horus, Stone - Limestone — Double statue of King Haremhab and Horus
ca. 1323–1295 BCE

Head of an anthropomorphic falcon god, Diorite — Head of an anthropomorphic falcon god
ca. 1390–332 BCE

Statue of Horus as a falcon protecting King Nectanebo II, Metagraywacke — Statue of Horus as a falcon protecting King Nectanebo II
360–343 BCE

Stela of King Raneb, Granite — Stela of King Raneb
ca. 2880 BCE

Ruling the Cosmos

Re, the sun god, brings forth life. He is conceptualized as the supreme god and ruler of all. The recurring cycle of his birth in the morning, journey across the sky during the day, and voyage through the underworld at night preserves the cosmic order and thus keeps the world in maat, a unique Egyptian conception of “what is right.” Through this perpetual process, he brings warmth and light to the world and allows humans to be reborn in the afterlife. His iconography varies to reflect different times of the day.

A number of gods assist Re in carrying out his responsibilities. Maat, the embodiment of “what is right,” wears an ostrich feather against which every soul is weighed. The ibis-headed Thoth is a divine scribe and healer. With the head of a composite animal, multifaceted Seth can be both a protector and a rival. Neit, who wears the red crown of Lower Egypt, guards the dead, among other roles. Adorned with his two-feather crown, Amun-Re supports Egypt’s kings. Other deities employ features of felines and serpents to defend Re from malevolent forces that are always poised to attack. Re’s divine court also includes Hathor and Horus.

Selected Artworks

View all

A slider containing 82 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Wall painting of a cat killing a serpent, Charles K. Wilkinson, Tempera on paper — Wall painting of a cat killing a serpent
Charles K. Wilkinson
1920–1921; original ca. 1295–1213 BCE

Pendant showing the sun god as a ram-headed man, Material: electrum<br/>Secondary material: glass<br/>Technique: engraving, inlay, cut relief<br/>Colour: royal blue — Pendant showing the sun god as a ram-headed man
ca. 945‒712 BCE

Pendant on a chain showing the sun god as a child, Glass
Metal - Gold — Pendant on a chain showing the sun god as a child
ca. 1070–712 BCE

Statuette of an animal symbolizing Re, Cupreous metal — Statuette of an animal symbolizing Re
664–30 BCE

Stela fragment depicting Pay adoring Re-Harakhty, Limestone — Stela fragment depicting Pay adoring Re-Harakhty
ca. 1336–1323 BCE

Stela showing Djedbastet adoring Re-Harakhty-Atum, Wood, paste, paint — Stela showing Djedbastet adoring Re-Harakhty-Atum
ca. 825–712 BCE

Standing Figure of Re-Harakhty, Cupreous metal — Standing Figure of Re-Harakhty
664–332 BCE

Inlay depicting the squatting god Re, Faience — Inlay depicting the squatting god Re
360–343 BCE

Stela depicting royal affection beneath the Aten's rays, dedicated by Pase, Limestone — Stela depicting royal affection beneath the Aten's rays, dedicated by Pase
ca. 1352‒1336 BCE

Hands offering Aten cartouches (upper part of cartouches are a cast of British Museum EA 58471), Indurated limestone — Hands offering Aten cartouches (upper part of cartouches are a cast of British Museum EA 58471)
ca. 1352–1336 BCE

Relief showing the Aten interacting with the queen, Limestone — Relief showing the Aten interacting with the queen
ca. 1352–1336 BCE

Pyramidion depicting Meryamunramessu worshipping Amun-Re-Harakhty, Osiris, and other deities, Limestone, paint — Pyramidion depicting Meryamunramessu worshipping Amun-Re-Harakhty, Osiris, and other deities
ca. 1295–1070 BCE

Statue of a baboon with upraised arms behind a king, Stone - Pink granite
Stone - Granite — Statue of a baboon with upraised arms behind a king
ca. 1427–1400 BCE or 1294–1297 BCE or 1200–1194 BCE

Monumental scarab, Stone - Diorite — Monumental scarab
332‒30 BCE

Commemorative Scarab of Amenhotep III Recording a Lion Hunt, Blue glazed steatite — Commemorative Scarab of Amenhotep III Recording a Lion Hunt
ca. 1390–1352 BCE

Stela of the high priest of Ptah, Shedsunefertem, Stone - Limestone
Paint
Metal - Gold leaf — Stela of the high priest of Ptah, Shedsunefertem
ca. 945–924 BCE

Statue of a man presenting Maat, Bronze; Gold — Statue of a man presenting Maat
664-525 BCE

Ostracon depicting Ramesses IX offering Maat, attributed to the chief draftsman Amenhotep, Limestone, ink — Ostracon depicting Ramesses IX offering Maat, attributed to the chief draftsman Amenhotep
ca. 1126–1108 BCE

Inlay depicting Thoth as the ibis with a Maat feather, Faience — Inlay depicting Thoth as the ibis with a Maat feather
360–343 BCE

Statuette of Maat, Metal - Bronze — Statuette of Maat
664–332 BCE

Relief of the Goddess Maat, Stone - Limestone
Paint — Relief of the Goddess Maat
ca. 1294‒1279 BCE

Amulet of Maat, Stone - Malachite — Amulet of Maat
ca. 747–713 BCE

Stone inscribed with the cartouche of Maatkare (Hatshepsut), Limestone — Stone inscribed with the cartouche of Maatkare (Hatshepsut)
ca. 1479–1458 BCE

Figure group of Neith and two child gods, both likely Horus the Child, Metal - Cupreous alloy — Figure group of Neith and two child gods, both likely Horus the Child
664‒332 BCE

Statuette of Neit, Cupreous metal with precious metal inlay — Statuette of Neit
664–332 BCE

Statue of Henat presenting an image of the shrine of Neit at Sais, Greywacke — Statue of Henat presenting an image of the shrine of Neit at Sais
526–525 BCE

Group statue of Thoth-ibis and devotee on a base inscribed for Padihorsiese, Cupreous metal — Group statue of Thoth-ibis and devotee on a base inscribed for Padihorsiese
664–525 BCE

Figurine of a baboon, Faience — Figurine of a baboon
ca. 3100–2649 BCE

Water Clock Decorated with a Baboon, Faience — Water Clock Decorated with a Baboon
664–30 BCE

Statue of a scribe with a baboon, Granodiorite — Statue of a scribe with a baboon
ca. 1295–1070 BCE

Cornice Block with Relief Depicting the Purification of the Pharaoh, Sandstone — Cornice Block with Relief Depicting the Purification of the Pharaoh
41–68 CE

Arm Panel From a Ceremonial Chair of Thutmose IV, Wood (<em>Ficus sycomorus</em>?) — Arm Panel From a Ceremonial Chair of Thutmose IV
ca. 1400–1390 BCE

Figure of baboon on a basket and with a pillar (<em>shebet</em> offering), Faience, pale blue glaze — Figure of baboon on a basket and with a pillar (*shebet* offering)
664–332 BCE

Figure of a Baboon, Faience — Figure of a Baboon
664–525 BCE

Striding Thoth, Faience — Striding Thoth
332–30 BCE

Head of a <em>was</em> scepter, Wood — Head of a *was* scepter
ca. 1859–1813 BCE

Stela with a Seth-animal sphinx, Limestone — Stela with a Seth-animal sphinx
ca. 1279‒1213 BCE

Stela with Seth-Nemty, Limestone — Stela with Seth-Nemty
ca. 1526‒1400 BCE

Fragment of a stela with winged, bull-headed Seth at the solar barque's prow thrusting a spear, Stone - Calcite — Fragment of a stela with winged, bull-headed Seth at the solar barque's prow thrusting a spear
ca. 1294‒1279 BCE

Figurine of a Seth animal with sphinxlike features, Wood - Uncategorized — Figurine of a Seth animal with sphinxlike features
ca. 1295–1070 BCE

Ostracon depicting the god Seth with an ankh sign, Quartz, paint — Ostracon depicting the god Seth with an ankh sign
ca. 1295–1070 BCE

Stela of Seth in the form of a hippo, Limestone, paint — Stela of Seth in the form of a hippo
ca. 1295‒1186 BCE

Wall painting of the Mehen snake protecting the barque of Re (facsimile), Lancelot Crane British, Tempera on paper — Wall painting of the Mehen snake protecting the barque of Re (facsimile)
Lancelot Crane
1910–1911; original ca. 1323–1295 BCE

Relief plaque with Wadjet and Nekhbet, the "Two Ladies"; falcon on opposite, Limestone — Relief plaque with Wadjet and Nekhbet, the "Two Ladies"; falcon on opposite
400–30 BCE

Uraeus, Gold, electrum — Uraeus
ca. 945–712 BCE

Mehen game board, Stone - Calcite — Mehen game board
ca. 2649‒2100 BCE

Carved ceremonial palette, Greywacke — Carved ceremonial palette
ca. 3200–3100 BCE

Amulet in the form of a serpent decan with raised arms, Faience — Amulet in the form of a serpent decan with raised arms
664–30 BCE

Statuette of a snake-headed deity, Faience — Statuette of a snake-headed deity
664–332 BCE

Statue of Mereseger, Stone - Limestone — Statue of Mereseger
ca. 1295–1070 BCE

Stela dedicated to Meresger by Nebnefer, Stone - Limestone
Paint — Stela dedicated to Meresger by Nebnefer
ca. 1295–1186 BC

Relief of Renenutet, represented as a woman, from a deity procession, Limestone, paint — Relief of Renenutet, represented as a woman, from a deity procession
ca. 1961–1917 BCE

Statuette of Renenutet as a snake-headed woman, Stone - Steatite — Statuette of Renenutet as a snake-headed woman
ca. 1070–975 BCE

Head and shoulder from a statue of a vulture, Granite gneiss — Head and shoulder from a statue of a vulture
ca. 690–664 BCE

Head from a statue of a cobra, Granite gneiss — Head from a statue of a cobra
ca. 690–664 BCE

Relief of Mehyt and the god Anhur-Shu, Stone - Granite — Relief of Mehyt and the god Anhur-Shu
316‒305 BCE

Statuette of a goddess, probably Wadjet, in front of an obelisk, Bronze — Statuette of a goddess, probably Wadjet, in front of an obelisk
664‒332 BCE

Statuette of Wadjet dedicated by Akanosh son of Pediamenopet, Cupreous metal — Statuette of Wadjet dedicated by Akanosh son of Pediamenopet
ca. 1070–664 BCE or later

Bottle illustrating Meritptah honoring Bastet, Silver — Bottle illustrating Meritptah honoring Bastet
ca. 1279–1213 BCE

Statuette of Bastet holding a figure of Nefertum, Faience — Statuette of Bastet holding a figure of Nefertum
525–30 BCE

Amulet of a lion-headed Bastet, Faience — Amulet of a lion-headed Bastet
ca. 872–664 BCE

Counterweight of a <em>menit</em> necklace with an image of Bastet nursing King Taharqo, Faience — Counterweight of a *menit* necklace with an image of Bastet nursing King Taharqo
ca. 690–664 BCE

Statuette of cat-headed Bastet, Cupreous metal — Statuette of cat-headed Bastet
664–30 BCE

Lion-headed goddess suckling the king, Faience — Lion-headed goddess suckling the king
ca. 707–664 B.C.

Statue of a lion-headed male deity, probably a local form of Horus, Metal - Bronze — Statue of a lion-headed male deity, probably a local form of Horus
664‒332 BCE

Lion Cub, Quartzite — Lion Cub
ca. 3100–2900 BCE

Statue of lion-headed Wadjet inscribed for Minirdis, son of Panehsy and of Aarwt(?) whose parents are Horwedja and Nitocris, Leaded bronze — Statue of lion-headed Wadjet inscribed for Minirdis, son of Panehsy and of Aarwt(?) whose parents are Horwedja and Nitocris
664–525 BCE

Cat Statuette intended to contain a mummified cat, Leaded bronze — Cat Statuette intended to contain a mummified cat
332–30 BCE

Fragment of a relief with a lion-headed goddess nursing King Niuserre, Limestone, plaster, paint — Fragment of a relief with a lion-headed goddess nursing King Niuserre
ca. 2420‒2389 BCE

Statue of Sakhmet, "Lady of the Mound-Above-Amun", Granodiorite — Statue of Sakhmet, "Lady of the Mound-Above-Amun"
ca. 1390–1352 BCE

Statue of the Goddess Sakhmet, Granodiorite — Statue of the Goddess Sakhmet
ca. 1390–1352 BCE

Votive bust of a ram, Serpentinite — Votive bust of a ram
ca. 1186‒1070 BCE

Unfinished stele, Stone - Limestone — Unfinished stele
ca. 1295–1070 BCE

Statuette of Khonsu, Metal - Bronze — Statuette of Khonsu
664–30 BCE

Statuette of Mut, Cupreous metal — Statuette of Mut
ca. 1070–664 BCE

Stela of Amenemopet before the god Amun-Re in various forms, Sandstone — Stela of Amenemopet before the god Amun-Re in various forms
ca. 1295‒1070 BCE

Round-topped ostracon depicting the snake-goddess Mereseger and Amun's ram, signed by Neferhotep, Limestone, ink — Round-topped ostracon depicting the snake-goddess Mereseger and Amun's ram, signed by Neferhotep
ca. 1295–1070 BCE

Seated ram-headed god, possibly Amun-Re, Faience, cupreous metal (headdress) — Seated ram-headed god, possibly Amun-Re
664–525 BCE

Ram's-head Amulet, Gold — Ram's-head Amulet
ca. 712–664 BCE

Head of Amun, Granodiorite — Head of Amun
ca. 1336–1295 BCE

Architectural element from a temple depicting two lion deities and Amun as a ram, Stone - Sandstone — Architectural element from a temple depicting two lion deities and Amun as a ram
late third century BCE

Creating the World

The creation of the world and its inhabitants is the subject of multiple ancient Egyptian myths, some of which are associated with specific local traditions and settlements. For those in Heliopolis (a site now within modern Cairo), the cosmos was formed by the deities of the Ennead. Slightly further south, in Memphis, Ptah was understood to have created the world and other gods through the act of speech.

Other deities are responsible for further feats of creation. They fashion humankind, facilitate the harvest, oversee the annual flood, and promote human virility and fertility. Substances such as semen, clay, and saliva give form to gods and humans alike in Egyptian myth. The deities who feature in these tales possess imagery as varied and distinctive as the materials and methods they use.

Despite their fundamental differences, the many accounts of creation were often presented as equally valid and complementary. This multiplicity of explanations demonstrates the complex nature of the belief systems. It illustrates how ancient Egyptian mythology was additive, combining manifold views on a single topic.

Selected Artworks

View all

A slider containing 37 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Statue of an Egyptian mongoose as a manifestation of Atum, Greywacke — Statue of an Egyptian mongoose as a manifestation of Atum
664‒525 BCE or 390‒343 BCE

Relief depicting Ptolemy XII offering wine to Geb, Sandstone — Relief depicting Ptolemy XII offering wine to Geb
80‒51 BCE

Stela dedicated by Nebiry depicting Nut before an offering table, Limestone — Stela dedicated by Nebiry depicting Nut before an offering table
ca. 1550–1295 BCE

Stela of Tjanetdinetiset and Djedbastet, Wood, paste, paint — Stela of Tjanetdinetiset and Djedbastet
ca. 825–712 BCE

Winged Goddess, probably Nut or Isis, Faience — Winged Goddess, probably Nut or Isis
ca. 1070–332 BCE

Coffin for an eel as a manifestation of Atum, Bronze
Metal - Bronze — Coffin for an eel as a manifestation of Atum
664–30 BCE

Stela of the temple servant of Amun Irtihareru adoring Re-Harakhty and Atum, Wood, gesso, paint — Stela of the temple servant of Amun Irtihareru adoring Re-Harakhty and Atum
ca. 750–525 BCE

Snake amulet probably representing Atum, Hard Limestone — Snake amulet probably representing Atum
664–332 BCE

Finger ring, likely belonging to Queen Tiye, Gold — Finger ring, likely belonging to Queen Tiye
ca. 1390–1336 BCE

Papyrus fragment with a painting of Khepri, Shu, Tefnut, Thoth, and Isis in a solar boat, Papyrus, ink — Papyrus fragment with a painting of Khepri, Shu, Tefnut, Thoth, and Isis in a solar boat
664 BCE or later

Figurine of a kneeling god, probably Shu, faience — Figurine of a kneeling god, probably Shu
332–30 BCE

Figure of a rearing cobra with lion head, Leaded bronze — Figure of a rearing cobra with lion head
664–30 BCE

Coffin of Wedjarenes, Wood (tamarisk and sycomore fig), paste, paint — Coffin of Wedjarenes
ca. 600–575 BCE

Inner Coffin of the Singer of Amun and Royal Daughter Nauny, Coniferous wood, Sycomore wood, mud, glue, paste paint, varnish, linen — Inner Coffin of the Singer of Amun and Royal Daughter Nauny
ca. 1050 BCE

Fragment of a model of the <em>zehenet</em> shrine, a tent sanctuary of Min, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster) — Fragment of a model of the *zehenet* shrine, a tent sanctuary of Min
ca. 1279‒1213 BCE

Stela of Aku worshipping Min, Limestone; Polychrome — Stela of Aku worshipping Min
ca. 1900‒1575 BCE

Ithyphallic statuette of Min or Amun-Kamutef, Metal - Bronze — Ithyphallic statuette of Min or Amun-Kamutef
664–332 BCE

Headless unshrouded ithyphallic deity statuette, Serpentinite — Headless unshrouded ithyphallic deity statuette
332–30 BCE

Colossal statue of Min, Stone - Limestone — Colossal statue of Min
ca. 3300–3100 BCE

Heryshef pendant, Metal - Gold — Heryshef pendant
ca. 740–725 BCE

Relief plaque with the head of a ram deity, Limestone — Relief plaque with the head of a ram deity
400–30 BCE

Furniture attachment with a sitting ram-headed deity, Bronze or copper alloy — Furniture attachment with a sitting ram-headed deity
ca. 733–343 BCE

Relief depicting a ram-headed deity offering an <em>ankh</em> sign to the king, Stone - Limestone — Relief depicting a ram-headed deity offering an *ankh* sign to the king
ca. 1550–1295 BCE

Statue of the God Ptah, Bronze, gold leaf, glass — Statue of the God Ptah
ca. 1070–712 BCE

Bowl with an image of Ptah, Travertine (Egyptian alabaster) — Bowl with an image of Ptah
ca. 3100‒2910 BCE

Tile with seated Tatenen (or Ptah-Tatenen), Faience — Tile with seated Tatenen (or Ptah-Tatenen)
ca. 1279–1213 BCE

Nefertum, cupreous metal, black bronze and precious metal inlay, glass — Nefertum
664–30 BCE

Cult Image of the God Ptah, Lapis lazuli — Cult Image of the God Ptah
ca. 945–600 BCE

Figurine of Ptah, Faience — Figurine of Ptah
ca. 1336–1070 BCE

Relief of Ptah, Stone - Limestone — Relief of Ptah
ca. 1295–1186 BCE

Relief with Ptah standing, Limestone — Relief with Ptah standing
ca. 1295‒1186 BCE

Standing dyad of Sobek (or Sobek-Re) and the king, Stone - Limestone
Paint
Metal - Gold leaf — Standing dyad of Sobek (or Sobek-Re) and the king
probably 3rd or 2nd century BCE

Falcon-headed crocodile amulet, Faience — Falcon-headed crocodile amulet
664–30 BCE

Figurine of Sobek or another crocodile god, Bronze — Figurine of Sobek or another crocodile god
664‒332 BCE

Mask for a crocodile mummy, Wood, gold leaf — Mask for a crocodile mummy
664–30 BCE

Ostracon Depicting the God Sobek, Limestone, ink — Ostracon Depicting the God Sobek
ca. 1295–1070 BCE

Crocodile on a shrine-shaped base, Cupreous metal — Crocodile on a shrine-shaped base
332–30 BCE

Coping with Life

Like people today, the ancient Egyptians had to cope with personal worries surrounding health, childbirth, competition, and love. Some deities took care of the world from state temples, where kings and priests attended their statues in restricted sacred spaces. But most people needed more tangible methods of reaching the gods to address personal problems.

All Egyptians could petition a powerful state god—for example, Amun-Re, Hathor, or Ptah—through public festivals. The deity left their temple hidden in a shrine on a barque, or boat, carried by priests. As the procession passed through town, members of the crowd could ask for a favor or blessing. Eventually, nonroyal people were given the opportunity to donate a statue, stela, or small figurine as a way to bring the individual closer to the divine presence. The offering could hold a request for attention, express gratitude, or represent a general sense of devotion.

Some state deities, such as Isis with her son Horus, also came to be worshipped in publicly accessible shrines where people could ask for help. Hippo goddesses and Bes-images, hybrid deities that scared away negative forces, brought protection through their representations displayed in homes.

Selected Artworks

View all

A slider containing 59 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Painting of Ramesses IX before the barque of Amun from the tomb of Imiseba, Nina de Garis Davies, Tempera on paper — Painting of Ramesses IX before the barque of Amun from the tomb of Imiseba
Nina de Garis Davies
1936; original ca. 1126–1108 BCE

Statuette of Kary carrying a standard of Horus, Wood — Statuette of Kary carrying a standard of Horus
ca. 1304–1237 BCE

Statuette of a <em>ba</em> of Pe, Metal - cupreous alloy — Statuette of a ba of Pe
664–332 BCE

Kneeling statuette of King Amasis, Bronze, precious metal inlay and leaf — Kneeling statuette of King Amasis
570–526 BCE

Ram head made for attachment to a barque, Leaded bronze, precious metal leaf, copper alloy inlay in eye rims — Ram head made for attachment to a barque
ca. 1070–664 BCE

Statue of a kneeling Kushite king, Bronze; gold leaf — Statue of a kneeling Kushite king
ca. 733–664 BCE

Statuette of an ancestral king, Wood, formerly clad with lead sheet — Statuette of an ancestral king
390–246 BCE

Head of a goddess, probably Mut, for attachment to a processional barque, Cupreous metal, gold leaf, formerly inlaid — Head of a goddess, probably Mut, for attachment to a processional barque
ca. 733–664 BCE

<em>Sib</em> sphinx for a barque, Leaded bronze — *Sib* sphinx for a barque
ca. 664–525 BCE

Statuette of Amun, Gold — Statuette of Amun
ca. 945–712 BCE

Water lily attachment, probably for a processional barque, Bronze, gold foil over gesso; white, dark blue, and light blue glass inlays over light and dark blue grounds — Water lily attachment, probably for a processional barque
ca. 1070–664 BCE or later

Stela of the royal scribe Amunnakht praising the divine barque of Amun-Re, Lord of the Thrones of the Two Lands, Limestone, pigment — Stela of the royal scribe Amunnakht praising the divine barque of Amun-Re, Lord of the Thrones of the Two Lands
ca. 1184–1070 BCE

Stela of Horemkhauef, Limestone, paint — Stela of Horemkhauef
ca. 1802–1640 BCE

Upper part of a statue of the goddess Isis, Basalt — Upper part of a statue of the goddess Isis
570‒526 BCE

Amulet of Isis or Hathor nursing a queen, Metal - Silver — Amulet of Isis or Hathor nursing a queen
ca. 747–710 BCE

<em>Tit</em> amulet, Jasper — *Tit* amulet
ca. 1550–1070 BCE

Statuette of Isis with the infant Horus, dedicated by Ankhhor, son of Perekhbanebdjedet and Heretib, Anhydrite — Statuette of Isis with the infant Horus, dedicated by Ankhhor, son of Perekhbanebdjedet and Heretib
ca. 733–525 BCE

Aegis with the head of a goddess, Cupreous metal; stone, paint — Aegis with the head of a goddess
ca. 924–600 BCE

Statuette of Isis with the infant Horus, Faience — Statuette of Isis with the infant Horus
332–30 BCE

Triad amulet depicting Horus the Child with Isis and Nephthys, Faience — Triad amulet depicting Horus the Child with Isis and Nephthys
664–30 BCE

Statuette of Horus the Child, Cupreous metal — Statuette of Horus the Child
332–30 BCE

Relief head of a child god, Limestone — Relief head of a child god
400–200 BCE

Child god in <em>nemes</em> and <em>hemhem</em> crown, Cupreous metal — Child god in *nemes* and *hemhem* crown
664–30 BCE

Statuette of a hybrid goddess, possibly Isis-Selqet, Material: copper alloy<br/>Technique: sculpture in the round — Statuette of a hybrid goddess, possibly Isis-Selqet
664‒332 BCE

Statuette of Isis melded with a scorpion, Metal - Cupreous alloy — Statuette of Isis melded with a scorpion
664‒332 BCE

Amuletic stone with a protective spell against scorpions, Limestone — Amuletic stone with a protective spell against scorpions
ca. 1070–332 BCE

Magical Stela with Horus the Child, Metagraywacke — Magical Stela with Horus the Child
360–343 BCE

Healing statue of Isis, Limestone — Healing statue of Isis
332–30 BCE

Fragment of an apotropaic wand, Ivory — Fragment of an apotropaic wand
ca. 1878–1550 BCE

Magical container in the shape of a hippo goddess, Glazed steatite — Magical container in the shape of a hippo goddess
ca. 1700–1500 BCE

Hippo figurine inscribed with the name of Ipy, Limestone — Hippo figurine inscribed with the name of Ipy
ca. 1981‒1640 BCE)

Statuette of a hippo goddess, probably Taweret, Glassy faience — Statuette of a hippo goddess, probably Taweret
332–30 BCE

Stela with Taweret and Mut of Isheru, Limestone, paint — Stela with Taweret and Mut of Isheru
ca. 1390–1352 BCE

Upper Part of a Hippo Goddess, Indurated limestone, plaster, paint — Upper Part of a Hippo Goddess
ca. 2649–2528 BCE

Bes-image figure, Faience, paste inlay — Bes-image figure
ca. 1295–700 BCE

Group statue with a Bes-image plucking a lyre, Cupreous metal — Group statue with a Bes-image plucking a lyre
664–30 BCE

Amulet with twinned Bes-images, Green and blue faience, silver — Amulet with twinned Bes-images
ca. 1295–700 BCE

Lidded container in the shape of a Bes-image, Faience — Lidded container in the shape of a Bes-image
664–332 BCE

Bes-image pendant, Faience — Bes-image pendant
664–525 BCE

Bes-image as part of a mirror, Faience — Bes-image as part of a mirror
ca. 1390–1327 BCE

Cosmetic container decorated with a pair of Bes-images, Steatite, glazed — Cosmetic container decorated with a pair of Bes-images
ca. 1550–1400 BCE

Container in the form of a Bes-image, Faience — Container in the form of a Bes-image
525–404 BCE

Colossal head from a Bes-image, Limestone — Colossal head from a Bes-image
332–30 BCE

Ear stela dedicated to the goddess Nebethetepet by Usersatet, Stone - Limestone — Ear stela dedicated to the goddess Nebethetepet by Usersatet
ca. 1295‒1186 BCE

Package of disorganized animal remains adorned with a seated Thoth, Dyed and undyed linen, animal remains, mummification materials — Package of disorganized animal remains adorned with a seated Thoth
332–30 BCE

Box for a cat mummy inscribed for Bastet, Cupreous metal — Box for a cat mummy inscribed for Bastet
664–30 BCE

Sacred animal mummy of a canid, Dyed and undyed linen, animal remains, mummification materials — Sacred animal mummy of a canid
332–30 BCE

Sacred animal mummy of a cat, Linen, paint, animal remains, mummification materials — Sacred animal mummy of a cat
664 BCE–1st century CE

Model Ear of Ramessumerysutekh, Stone — Model Ear of Ramessumerysutekh
ca. 1295–1186 BCE

Monkey and Man Playing Instruments, Faience — Monkey and Man Playing Instruments
ca. 1070–664 BCE

Figurine of a cat with kittens, Faience — Figurine of a cat with kittens
ca. 1070–664 BCE

Nude female holding monkeys, Pale blue faience — Nude female holding monkeys
ca. 1070–664 BCE

Bes-image Rattle, Faience — Bes-image Rattle
ca. 1070–664 BC

Statuette of Anhur (Onuris), Leaded bronze — Statuette of Anhur (Onuris)
ca. 1070–664 BCE

Ring with Cat and Kittens, Faience — Ring with Cat and Kittens
ca. 1295–664 BCE

Neck of a cult vessel with the head of a cow, Clay, fired; paint — Neck of a cult vessel with the head of a cow
ca. 1352–1336 BCE

Bowl with a Hathor cow, Bronze — Bowl with a Hathor cow
ca. 1479–1425 BCE

A Polymorphic Deity, Wood — A Polymorphic Deity
390–30 BCE

Polymorphic statuette of Horus the Elder with the face of a Bes-image, Metal - Cupreous alloy
<br/>Metal - Gold — Polymorphic statuette of Horus the Elder with the face of a Bes-image
664–610 BCE

Overcoming Death

Tombs are some of the most significant monuments that survive from ancient Egypt. They reflect how critical it was for everyone, king and commoner alike, to achieve eternal life. The success of that dream is overseen by Osiris, a tall, shrouded deity who holds a scepter and flail and wears a distinctive crown. He rules the underworld and embodies the ideal of overcoming death.

Osiris’s most widespread image comes from the myth in which he is killed and dismembered by his brother, Seth. His sister-wife, Isis, and other sister, Nephthys, reassemble him, and ultimately Osiris is restored through funerary rites, with the help of Anubis. He recovers enough to father Horus and rule the realm of the dead.

The deities presented here embody the roles involved in a person’s funeral. Anubis embalms the deceased, Isis and Nephthys mourn, and Osiris is the prototypical mummified corpse. While the mythology of the underworld predominantly features these and a few other deities, hundreds of lesser divine beings, often called demons, also help or hinder the passage from this world to the next.

Selected Artworks

View all

A slider containing 26 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.