Ritual Object
ca. 664-30 B.C.E.
Maker Unknown
Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art
This object is seen in temple reliefs in which the king offers it to goddesses like Hathor, Sakhmet, Mut, or Bastet who are called the Eye of Re. As the Eye of Re, each of these deities symbolized a number of ideas, including the destructive power of the sun god. In return for this offering, the king was assured of protection and the power needed to maintain cosmic order, or Ma'at. He also received the gift of a uraeus for his crown, a symbol of the same forces embodied in the Eye of Re. The cycle of giving, receiving, and giving in return ritually affirmed that the king's possession of royal power was confirmed and renewed.
- Maker/Artist
- Maker Unknown
- Classification
- Sculpture
- Formatted Medium
- Faience
- Medium
- faience
- Locations
- Place made: Egypt
- Dynasty
- Dynasty 26, or later
- Dimensions
- 4 1/16 x 2 1/4 x 1 11/16 in. (10.3 x 5.7 x 4.3 cm)
- Accession Number
- 36.838
- Credit Line
- Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
- Exhibitions
- Egypt Reborn: Art for Eternity, Ancient Egyptian Art
- Rights Statement
- Creative Commons-BY
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