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Statue of Sekhmet (E2049). From Thebes, Dynasty 18, reign of Amenhotep
III (1390-1353 B.C.).
Often shown with
the head of a lioness, the goddess Sekhmet was a very powerful deity.
Her name means "the Mighty One" and, like Neith,
she was a goddess of war. She could accompany the king into battle
and one of her weapons was her fiery breath, which created the hot
desert wind. She also had close associations with the fire-spitting
uraeus that is shown on the brow of the king, and she was known
as the "Eye of Re." Despite her fearsome
nature, Sekhmet was also worshipped as a protective goddess who
could cure illnesses and keep away plagues. |
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