Tefnut as a Lioness
ca. 664-332 B.C.E.
Maker Unknown
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
The Egyptians represented the relationship between sky and earth by showing the body of Nut rising in a majestic arc over the figure of the dark, fecund earth god, Geb. To prevent them from further sexual union after the birth of Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys, they were separated eternally by Shu, the god of air.
Shu represented the eternal patterns of change the ancient Egyptians associated with cyclical time (neheh). His sister, the leonine goddess Tefnut, was related to the eternal sameness of linear time (djet).
Tefnut, shown here as a lioness, had many different aspects. Among her most significant was the "Eye of Re" an aspect of the sun that could be either beneficial or damaging.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Accessory
- Formatted Medium
- Faience
- Medium
- faience
- Locations
- Place found: Egypt
- Dynasty
- Dynasty 26 to Dynasty 31
- Period
- Late Period
- Dimensions
- 13/16 x 5/8 x 1 9/16 in. (2 x 1.6 x 3.9 cm)
- Accession Number
- 05.364
- Credit Line
- Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
- Exhibitions
- Pharaohs, Queens, and Goddesses
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
- Museum Location
- This item is not on view
Have a concern, a correction, or something to add?
