--- title: Statue of a Sitting Figure of Goddess Sekhmet author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/5379/statue-of-a-sitting-figure-of-goddess-sekhmet/ format: machine-readable-alternate updated: 2024-07-19 --- # Statue of a Sitting Figure of Goddess Sekhmet _Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_ ## Image File [![Statue of a Sitting Figure of Goddess Sekhmet](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5379.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/5379.jpg) ## Image Caption Sekhmet was a lion goddess, whose name means "the mighty one", and she personified the aggressive aspects of other goddesses. Sekhmet was a [daughter of the sun](https://www.worldhistory.org/article/2562/the-daughter-of-the-sun/) [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) Ra. She usually wears the sun-disc on her head. A famous myth recounts how she almost obliterated humankind for conspiring against her father's rule. She was associated with destruction and [plague](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/plague/), but her powers could also be invoked for healing. Like other goddesses, she usually holds a looped cross and papyrus stalk; emblems of life (*[ankh](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ankh/)*) and flourishing (*wadj*). Based on its size, style, and exquisite craftsmanship, there can be no doubt that this statue was made during the reign of [Amenhotep III](https://www.worldhistory.org/Amenhotep_III/). The only inscriptions it bears today, on the front sides of the throne, display cartouches with the throne and birth names of Sheshonq I, who founded the 22nd Dynasty, around 954 BCE. He lived at a time of less prosperity when the usurpation of earlier statues by both royal and private individuals became common practice. From the [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of Mut at [Thebes](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Thebes/), [Karnak](https://www.worldhistory.org/Karnak/), [Egypt](https://www.worldhistory.org/egypt/), 18th Dynasty, reign of Amenhotep III, 1390-1352 BCE. The British Museum, London. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world. - [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian) - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Amin, O. S. M. (2016, July 21). Statue of a Sitting Figure of Goddess Sekhmet. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Statue of a Sitting Figure of Goddess Sekhmet." *World History Encyclopedia*, July 21, 2016. . ### MLA Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Statue of a Sitting Figure of Goddess Sekhmet." *World History Encyclopedia*, 21 Jul 2016, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 21 July 2016. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.