A couple of weeks ago I asked on my Instagram if there was an object people wanted to see more of, and someone suggested the Maned Sphinx ππ ±π of Hatshepsut π³π¦π, so here it is!Β
Pharaohs ππ»π¦ were commonly represented as sphinxes ππ ±ππ¦ in ancient Egyptian art for many reasons. A sphinx ππ ±π is a mythical creature that has the body of a lion π³πΉπΏπ and the head of a human. In ancient Egypt ππ ππ, lions π³πΉπΏππͺ have been associated with kingship ππ since prehistoric times due to their strength π and ferocity. The sphinx ππ ±π was the perfect representation of the strength π of the pharaoh ππ» due to its lion π³πΉπΏπ body, while the face still preserved the image ππ ±π of the king π himself/herself.Β
Letβs read some hieroglyphs πΉππͺ!
(π³π¦π) – Maatkare
ππ π – Amun
πΊππ – Beloved
πΉππ- Life Given
π – Eternity
βMaatkare, Beloved of Amun, Given Life for Eternity.β
I know this is strange, but βGiven Lifeβ is actually written backwards! It should be βππΉβ not βπΉπβ as itβs written (this inscription is read from right to left, because thatβs the way the directional symbols are pointing).
Thereβs also an added π, which makes it the feminine form! Thereβs a second sphinx ππ ±ππ€ just like this one in the Cairo Museum, and on that sphinx ππ ±ππ€, there is no added π! Why would one sphinx ππ ±ππ€ use the feminine form and one use the masculine?! We will probably never know!Β
This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.
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