Tag: gods and goddesses

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Egyptian Artifacts

Tutu

While this looks like a small π“ˆ–π“†“π“‹΄π“…© sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 this isn’t just any sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€: his name π“‚‹π“ˆ– is Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲! The word β€œTutu” in Egyptian can be translated as β€œImage 𓏏𓏲𓏏” or β€œOne 𓏏𓏲.” The reason I am using the β€œπ“²β€ instead of the β€œπ“…±β€ to write the β€œw/u” sound is because β€œπ“…±β€ was used more for Middle/New Egyptian while β€œπ“²β€ was used in Late Egyptian!

Tutu
A front view of the limestone statue of Tutu. His inlaid eyes are missing, probably lost in antiquity.

Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 was a late addition to the Egyptian pantheon as his first appearance is around 600 B.C.E., and he became a very popular deity in the late centuries B.C.E. to the Roman period. He is considered to be an obscure god π“ŠΉ and not much is known about him – most people think they are seeing a sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ when they see him!

Tutu
The limestone statue of Tutu – can you see his snake tail?

Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 was the son π“…­ of the goddess π“ŠΉπ“ Neith π“ˆ–π“π“‹Œπ“€­ and he was usually represented as a sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ (human head, lion body) with a snake 𓇋𓂝𓂋𓏏𓆙 as a tail! You can see the snake 𓇋𓂝𓂋𓏏𓆙 tail on the statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 in the picture 𓏏𓅱𓏏 if you look closely!

One of the reasons that Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 became so popular is because he was worshipped 𓇼𓄿𓀒 by ordinary people and Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 was accessible to everyone! Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 was thought to be the god π“ŠΉ of human fate and fortune and the slayer of demons. Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 was commonly known as β€œWho Comes to the One Calling Him” but was also referred to as β€œGreat of Strength” and β€œThe Lion.” 

On reliefs, Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 was also portrayed as a sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ except his head was usually facing forward instead of the usual profile depiction that is in most Egyptian art. This was so Tutu 𓏏𓏲𓏏𓏲 could be see as approachable by all!

On this particular statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾, the inlaid glass eyes are missing! This statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 is also made of limestone π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“ˆ™π“Œ‰ and is dated to the Ptolemaic Period. 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.Β 

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Egyptian Artifacts Reading Hieroglyphs

Nectanbo the Falcon

This piece is named β€œGod Horus Protecting King Nectanbo II.” Nectanbo II π“žπ“©π“‹΄π“‡›π“„£π“Ίπ“‰π“ˆ– was the last pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 of the short lived 30th Dynasty and he made himself the focus of a religious cult called β€œNectanbo the Falcon,” which was a merging of himself with the god π“ŠΉ Horus π“…ƒπ“€­. Horus π“…ƒπ“€­ was the god π“ŠΉ of kingship!Β 

Nectanbo the Falcon
Me with Nectanbo the Falcon!

Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ!

There’s a small inscription at the base of the statue, and the inscription is a mirrored one – this means you start in the middle and read Middle to left or middle to right depending on the direction of the symbols! The β€œπ“‹Ήβ€ is the middle so that is where we are going to start!Β 

Nectanbo the Falcon
A closeup of the hieroglyphs at the base of the statue.

Middle to Left:

π“‹Ή – Life 

π“†₯ – King of Upper and Lower Egypt 

π“žπ“©π“‹΄π“‡›π“„£π“Ίπ“‰π“ˆ– – Nectanbo II β€œPleasing to the Heart of Ra, Chosen of Amun” (throne name)

π“Ήπ“Š¨π“ŠΉπ“‰•π“…¨π“‚‹- Osiris Mnevis

π“Œ» – Beloved

Middle to Right:Β 

π“‹Ή – Life

𓅭𓇳 – Son of Ra

π“₯Xπ“†‡π“ˆ˜π“‚‘π“…ƒπ“Ž³π“π“Š– – Nectanbo II β€œNakht Hor Hebit” (birth name) [the X is a symbol I don’t have]

π“Ήπ“Š¨π“ŠΉπ“‰•π“…¨π“‚‹π“Œ» – Osiris Mnevis

Interesting Interpretation of the Hieroglyphs:

What’s interesting about this inscription is that I can’t tell if it’s supposed to be β€œπ“Ήπ“Š¨π“ŠΉπ“‰•π“…¨π“‚‹π“Œ» Osiris Mnevis” or β€œBeloved of Osiris Mnevis” with β€œπ“Œ»β€ being β€œbeloved.” To me it makes more sense if it is  β€œBeloved of Osiris Mnevis,” but I translated it both ways! 

Osiris Mnevis π“Ήπ“Š¨π“ŠΉπ“‰•π“…¨π“‚‹π“Œ» is a combination of the gods Osiris π“Ήπ“Š¨π“ŠΉ and Mnevis π“‰•π“…¨π“‚‹π“Œ». Mnevis 𓉕𓅨𓂋.  Mnevis 𓉕𓅨𓂋 was one of the Bull gods π“ŠΉπ“ŠΉπ“ŠΉ in ancient Egypt. 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Egyptian Artifacts

Seshat

This is an image 𓏏𓅱𓏏 the goddess π“ŠΉπ“ Seshat 𓋇𓏏𓁐 on a Roman-era (60-70 A.D.) mummy mask. Seshat 𓋇𓏏𓁐 is the goddess π“ŠΉπ“ of writing, wisdom and knowledge. This is actually the only object at the MET that contains an image 𓏏𓅱𓏏 of Seshat 𓋇𓏏𓁐! Seshat 𓋇𓏏𓁐 does not appear much in ancient Egyptian art, and there are no temples or cult centers dedicated to her worship.Β 

Seshat

Seshat’s 𓋇𓏏𓁐 name π“‚‹π“ˆ– literally translates to β€œfemale scribe,” and she is also the goddess π“ŠΉπ“ of scribes π“Ÿπ“€€π“ͺ! I have always really liked Seshat 𓋇𓏏𓁐 because she was a female figure associated with hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ and I related to that aspect of her! I always wished there were more depictions of her in ancient Egyptian art!

In this image 𓏏𓅱𓏏, she is holding writing with a stylus, which is very typical of artistic depictions of her! You can easily pick Seshat 𓋇𓏏𓁐 out in Egyptian art because of the seven pointed emblem 𓋇 that she wears on her head (I call it a star – but no one really knows what it is). This symbol is also part of her name π“‚‹π“ˆ–, which makes it easy to spot in hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! 

Seshat 𓋇𓏏𓁐 is also the goddess π“ŠΉπ“ of architecture, accounting, mathematics, and surveying. This is what made her an essential part of a building ceremony called the β€œStretching of the Cord.” The β€œStretching of the Cord” was part of the foundation ritual that occurred when a building was constructed in ancient Egypt π“†Žπ“…“π“π“Š–. It involved nailing four 𓏽 stakes into the ground at the four 𓏼 corners of the building and then linking them with a cord. 

Seshat 𓋇𓏏𓁐 is definitely related to and shares some of the same functions as the god π“ŠΉ Thoth 𓅝𓏏𓏭𓀭, who was also considered to be the god π“ŠΉ of writing π“Ÿπ“›π“₯, knowledge π“‚‹π“π“π“œ and wisdom. Usually Thoth 𓅝𓏏𓏭𓀭 is credited with inventing writing π“Ÿπ“›π“₯/hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ (hence his title β€œLord of the Divine Words/Writing π“ŽŸπ“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“‚‚π“‚‚π“‚‚π“Ÿβ€), however, some mythology credits Seshat 𓋇𓏏𓁐 with inventing writing/hieroglyphs, while Thoth 𓅝𓏏𓏭𓀭 was the one who taught writing π“Ÿπ“›π“₯ to man! 

Here are some ways to write Seshat’s name in hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ: 

Seshat 𓋇

Seshat 𓋇𓏏𓁐

Seshat π“‹΄π“ˆ™π“„Ώπ“π“…†

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Egyptian Artifacts

Shu

Shu 𓇋𓅱𓀭 was the god π“ŠΉ of the air and atmosphere but was also associated with sunlight 𓆄𓅱𓇢! In the Egyptian creation myth, Shu 𓇋𓅱𓀭 raised the atmosphere from the Earth’s 𓇾𓇾 surface, separating the two 𓏻 from each other!

Shu
A small faience statue of the god Shu in his characteristic pose!

Shu 𓇋𓅱 is usually depicted as a man standing or kneeling with both of his arms raised (like this hieroglyphic symbol – 𓁏). His arms are in this position to show that he is holding up the air/atmosphere above the ground! Shu 𓇋𓅱𓀭 was often worshipped 𓇼𓄿𓀒 by sailors, who were looking for favorable winds π“‡‹π“‡¬π“ˆ–π“…±π“Š‘π“¦!

Shu 𓇋𓅱𓀭 was the consort of Tefnut π“π“†‘π“ˆ–π“π“†—, who is a goddess π“ŠΉπ“ associated with moisture. In some mythology, Shu 𓇋𓅱 and Tefnut π“π“†‘π“ˆ–π“π“†— produced Geb 𓅬𓃀𓀭 (god π“ŠΉ of the Earth 𓇾𓇾) and Nut π“Œπ“π“‡―π“€­ (goddess π“ŠΉπ“ of the sky π“Œπ“π“‡―). In the Pyramid Texts, the clouds are even mentioned as β€œthe bones of Shu.”  

The name π“‚‹π“ˆ– β€œShu 𓆄𓅱” can actually mean β€œHe Who Rises Up,” β€œEmptiness 𓆄𓅱𓅨,” or β€œSunlight 𓆄𓅱𓇢/𓆄𓅱𓇳” too! In Middle Egyptian, these words were also pronounced like β€œShu,” except they have different determinatives which changes the meaning of the word!

I’m fascinated by the fact that both β€œempty 𓆄𓅱𓅨” and β€œShu 𓆄𓅱” are the same because we can’t see the atmosphere so what is above/all around us appears to be empty 𓆄𓅱𓅨 but it’s not – and the ancient Egyptians knew that!Β It’s incredible the insight that mythology can give us into the thoughts of the ancient Egyptians!

This faience π“‹£π“ˆ–π“π“Έπ“Ό piece is dated to the Ptolemaic Period (332–30 B.C.E.).Β 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Egyptian Artifacts Reading Hieroglyphs

Sistrums with Hathor

Music π“‰”π“‡Œπ“†Έ and musicians were highly regarded in ancient Egyptian culture. I love music π“‰”π“‡Œπ“†Έ, and music π“‡‹π“Ž›π“‡Œ is something that I cannot live without! This is a sistrum π“Šƒπ“ˆ™π“ˆ™π“π“£, which is a musical instrument from ancient Egypt π“†Žπ“…“π“π“Š– that is similar to a modern rattle or tambourine.Β 

Sistrums with Hathor
A faience sistrum with Hathor from the Ptolemaic Period

Since Hathor 𓉑 was the goddess π“ŠΉπ“ of music π“‡‹π“Ž›π“‡Œ, she was portrayed on most sistrums π“Šƒπ“ˆ™π“ˆ™π“π“£π“ͺ in her human form! However, even though Hathor 𓉑 is represented as a woman π“Šƒπ“π“‚‘π“π“, she is recognized easily because of her characteristic cow 𓄀𓆑𓂋𓏏𓃒 ears!Β 

Sistrums with Hathor
A closeup view of the sistrum with Hathor’s face! See if you can spot her cow ears!

I love these two sistrums π“Šƒπ“ˆ™π“ˆ™π“π“£π“ͺ pictured below because while they are both from the Ptolemaic Period, they look so different! One of the sistrums π“Šƒπ“ˆ™π“ˆ™π“π“£π“ͺ is made of blue 𓇅𓆓𓏛 faience π“‹£π“ˆ–π“π“Έπ“Ό while the other is made of silver π“Œ‰π“‹žπ“ƒ‰π“ƒ‰π“ƒ‰.Β 

Sistrums with Hathor
A blue faience sistrum (front) and a silver sistrum (back) both with Hathor’s face on it from the Ptolemaic Period.

Fun fact: in ancient Egypt π“†Žπ“…“π“π“Š–, silver π“Œ‰π“‹žπ“ƒ‰π“ƒ‰π“ƒ‰ was actually considered to be more valuable because it was harder to obtain through trade! Egypt π“†Žπ“…“π“π“Š– does not naturally have a lot of silver π“Œ‰π“‹žπ“ƒ‰π“ƒ‰π“ƒ‰!

The silver π“Œ‰π“‹žπ“ƒ‰π“ƒ‰π“ƒ‰ sistrum π“Šƒπ“ˆ™π“ˆ™π“π“£ has hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ on the handle, however they are very hard to read due to cracks and natural wear. The blue 𓇅𓆓𓏛 faience π“‹£π“ˆ–π“π“Έπ“Ό one has hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ that are much easier to read! 

Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ!

𓅭𓇳 – Son of Ra

π“ŽŸπ“ˆπ“ˆπ“ˆ – Lord of Appearances

π“Šͺπ“π“―π“ƒ­π“π“‡Œπ“‹΄ – Ptolemaios (Ptolemy I)

π“‹Ή – Life

𓏇 – Like

𓇳𓏺 – Ra 

π“Ž›π“‡³π“Ž› – Eternity

𓆖 – Eternity

When π“Ž›π“‡³π“Ž› and 𓆖 are used in the same phrase, it’s usually translated as β€œEverlasting Eternity” instead of β€œEternity Eternity.” 

Another way to write β€œLord of Appearances” is like this – π“ŽŸπ“ˆπ“₯ – using three strokes β€œπ“₯” instead of repeating the β€œsun over the horizon π“ŽŸπ“ˆπ“ˆπ“ˆβ€ hieroglyph three times! Both of these ways are the correct way to write the phrase, however the three strokes β€œπ“₯” is usually used more because it takes up less space! 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Reading Hieroglyphs

Wepwawet in Hieroglyphs

Let’s read some Hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today we are going to learn about another jackal god π“ŠΉ because Anubis π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“Šͺ𓅱𓃣 isn’t the only jackal in ancient Egypt! Wepwawet π“„‹π“ˆπ“π“₯ is likely the oldest god π“ŠΉ associated with the jackal π“Šƒπ“„Ώπ“ƒ€π“ƒ₯ and we are going to learn how to read Wepwawet’s name in hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ!

Wepwawet π“„‹π“ˆπ“π“₯𓃧 is associated with war and conquest, and leading ritual processions. Wepwawet’s π“„‹π“ˆπ“π“₯ name π“‚‹π“ˆ– translates to β€œOpener of the Ways,” which has many meanings. He was associated with clearing the path for the sun 𓇳𓏺 to rise in the sky π“Šͺ𓏏𓇯, clearing the way for the armies in battle, and clearing the path for the deceased to enter the Duat 𓇼𓄿𓏏𓉐. Statues 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾π“ͺ of Wepwawet π“„‹π“ˆπ“π“₯ were also carried in front of a pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 during processions for this reason!Β 

Wepwawet in Hieroglyphs
Wepwawet in Hieroglyphs and a small statue of Wepwawet that was most likely part of a standard (a staff used in ceremonies)

Let’s take a look at Wepwawet’s name π“‚‹π“ˆ– in hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! 

π“„‹π“ˆπ“π“₯ (this is the variant in the picture)

π“„‹π“ˆπ“π“₯𓃧

π“„‹π“ˆπ“π“₯𓁒

π“„‹π“ˆπ“ˆπ“ˆ

π“„‹π“ˆπ“ˆπ“ˆπ“€­

𓃧

Let’s break down the symbols! 

The β€œhorns 𓄋” symbol is a biliteral phonogram that has the sound of β€œwp.” 

The β€œpath with shrubs π“ˆβ€ symbol is an ideogram for the words β€œroad” and β€œway.” and represents the sound β€œw3t.” It can also be a determinative for β€œroad.” 

The β€œflat loaf of bread 𓏏” is a uniliteral phonogram used to represent the sound β€œt.” Here it is acting as a phonetic complement and emphasizing the β€œt” sound at the end of β€œw3t π“ˆ.” 

The β€œthree strokes π“₯” symbol is what makes β€œways” plural in Wepwawet’s name! The β€œthree strokes π“₯” is associated with the sound β€œw” when making a word plural. The β€œpath with shrubs π“ˆβ€ symbol can also be repeated three times to make it plural. 

The β€œjackal on a standard 𓃧” symbol is both an ideogram and a determinative for β€œWepwawet.” This is why Wepwawet’s name can be written with just the symbol! This is the most common determinative to see associated with his name.

Wepwawet in Hieroglyphs
A small bronze statue of the god Wepwawet, which was most likely part of a standard.

One way to tell Wepwawet π“„‹π“ˆπ“π“₯ and Anubis π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“Šͺ𓅱𓃣 apart is by how the jackal is standing: Anubis π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“Šͺ𓅱𓃣 is usually shown in the recumbent position (𓃒, 𓃣, 𓃀) while Wepwawet π“„‹π“ˆπ“₯𓏏𓃧 is usually shown standing up (𓃧, 𓃨).

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Reading Hieroglyphs

Geb in Hieroglyphs

Let’s read some Hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ!Β Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to learn about the god π“ŠΉ β€œGeb 𓅬𓃀𓀭!”

These hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ pictured below spell out the name π“‚‹π“ˆ– of the god π“ŠΉ β€œGeb 𓅬𓃀𓀭.” Geb 𓅬𓃀𓀭 is the god π“ŠΉ of the Earth’s 𓇾𓇾 surface, which the ancient Egyptians called the Upper Earth. Anything that occurred on the Earth’s surface was considered to be Geb’s 𓅬𓃀𓀭 domain! For example, it is said that Geb’s 𓅬𓃀𓀭 laughter is what caused earthquakes to happen! Geb 𓅬𓃀𓀭 was also responsible for allowing crops to grow!Β 

Geb in Hieroglyphs
The name of the god Geb in Hieroglyphs on a sarcophagus at the Brooklyn Museum

Here are the two most common ways to write Geb’s name π“‚‹π“ˆ– in hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ: 

𓅬𓃀𓀭

𓅬𓃀

Let’s break down each of the symbols! 

The β€œgoose 𓅬” is a biliteral phonogram that represents the sound β€œgb” which would have possibly been pronounced like β€œGeb.” It can also act as a determinative in certain cases.  

The β€œfoot 𓃀” symbol is a uniliteral phonogram that represents the sound β€œb.” Here, the β€œfoot 𓃀” symbol is acting as a phonetic complement, meaning it’s emphasizing the β€œb” sound from the previous symbol, and was most likely not pronounced. 

The β€œseated god 𓀭” is a determinative symbol and isn’t pronounced! It acts as β€œpunctuation” at the end of the name of a male god!

The hardest part about some of the hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ is distinguishing them from each other! The β€œgoose 𓅬” and the very popular β€œpintail duck 𓅭” symbols are almost indistinguishable from each other! Not going to lie, sometimes I have difficulty telling the two symbols apart!Β Β 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Reading Hieroglyphs

Shu in Hieroglyphs

Let’s read some Hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! These hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ pictured spell out the name of the god β€œShu 𓆄𓅱.”

Shu in Hieroglyphs

Shu 𓇋𓅱𓀭 was the god π“ŠΉ of the air and atmosphere. In the Egyptian creation myth, Shu 𓇋𓅱𓀭 raised the atmosphere from the Earth’s 𓇾𓇾 surface, separating the two 𓏻.Β 

Shu in Hieroglyphs
Shu raising up the sky/atmosphere depicted on a sarcophagus at the Brooklyn Museum. Can you spot Shu’s name in the image?

Shu 𓇋𓅱 is usually depicted as a man standing or kneeling with both of his arms raised (like this hieroglyphic symbol – 𓁏). His arms are in this position to show that he is holding up the air/atmosphere above the ground! Shu 𓇋𓅱𓀭 was often worshipped 𓇼𓄿𓀒 by sailors, who were looking for favorable winds π“‡‹π“‡¬π“ˆ–π“…±π“Š‘π“¦!Β 

Shu in Hieroglyphs

Here are the two most common ways to write β€œShu” in hieroglyphs: 

𓆄𓅱

𓇋𓅱𓀭

Let’s break down each of the symbols! 

The β€œfeather 𓆄” is a biliteral symbol and is representative of the sound Ε‘w. β€œπ“†„β€ can also function as an ideogram for β€œfeather 𓆄𓏺,” and as a determinative for β€œMaat π“™π“Œ΄π“‚£π“π“†„.” So the β€œfeather 𓆄” symbol has many different uses! 

The β€œQuail Chick 𓅱” is a super popular symbol! It is a uniliteral phonogram that is representative of the sound w/u, and it is also an ideogram for the word β€œchick 𓅱𓏺.” It mostly appears as a uniliteral phonogram and is one of the hieroglyphs that appears the most in inscription! 

The β€œseated god 𓀭” is a determinative symbol and isn’t pronounced! It acts as β€œpunctuation” at the end of the name of a male god! 

Here are some other words that are similar to Shu 𓆄𓅱 – they are pronounced the same, but have different determinatives which changes the meaning of the word! What is so cool about these words is that they are related to the atmosphere/sky! 

𓆄𓅱𓅨 – Empty

𓆄𓅱𓇳, 𓆄𓅱𓇢 – sun, sunlight

I’m fascinated by the fact that both β€œempty 𓆄𓅱𓅨” and β€œShu 𓆄𓅱” are pronounced the same because we can’t see the atmosphere so what is above/all around us appears to be empty 𓆄𓅱𓅨 but it’s not and the ancient Egyptians knew that!Β 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Categories
Egyptian Artifacts

Magical Stela or Cippus

This magnificent piece is known as a β€œMagical Stela,” or a β€œCippus of Horus.” Normally, stela π“Ž—π“…±π“†“π“‰Έ were used to commemorate the dead but Cippus pieces are like a protective amulet π“Šπ“Šͺπ“…† in the shape of a stela π“Ž—π“…±π“†“π“‰Έ.Β 

Me with the Cippus at the MET

This cippus was used by the living for protection π“…“π“‚π“Ž‘π“€œ. Since the Old Kingdom, Horus π“…ƒπ“€­ was called upon as a defender against snake or scorpion bites. Placing the cippus on a wound would evoke its magical and healing powers. 

Smaller versions of Cippus stela π“Ž—π“…±π“†“π“‰Έ were usually kept in homes 𓉐𓏺, but this one here at the MET is a lot more elaborate and was actually commissioned by a priest π“ŠΉπ“› to be displayed in public! It’s difficult to see in pictures, but the hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ are carved so exquisitely and I love just looking at them!Β 

A closeup of the top of the Cippus at the MET

The top panel on the front of the Cippus depicts Horus π“…ƒπ“€­ standing on two 𓏻 crocodiles π“…“π“‹΄π“Ž›π“†Œπ“₯ and holding other dangerous animals such as snakes π“‡‹π“‚π“‚‹π“π“†˜π“ͺ, a lion π“Œ³π“Ήπ“„Ώπ“„›, an antelope 𓃲𓏺 and scorpions π“‹΄π“‚‹π“ˆŽπ“π“†«π“ͺ in each hand. Surrounding Horus π“…ƒπ“€­ are other deities. On Horus’ π“…ƒπ“€­ left there is Isis π“Š¨π“π“₯, Ra-Horakhty π“…Šπ“”π“”π“€, and then on Horus’ π“…ƒπ“€­ right is Thoth 𓅝𓏏𓏭𓀭. The god π“ŠΉ Bes π“ƒ€π“‹΄π“„œ also appears above Horus’ π“…ƒπ“€­ head 𓁢𓏺. Bes π“ƒ€π“‹΄π“„œ was known to ward off evil π“ƒ€π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“π“…¨ and bad luck. 

This piece is dated to the Late Period (30th Dynasty). Considering everything, I figured this would be a fitting post for today! 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Categories
Blog

God’s Mother

Let’s read some Hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! What does the popular Middle Egyptian phrase β€œGod’s Mother π“ŠΉπ“…β€ mean? Before we delve into the meaning, let’s break down the hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ!Β 

God's Mother
“God’s Mother” in raised relief on display at the MET

β€œGod’s Mother” can be written three ways in hieroglyphs: 

π“ŠΉπ“π“…

π“ŠΉπ“…π“

π“ŠΉπ“…

This phrase is a combination of two different words: the word β€œGod π“ŠΉβ€ and the word β€œMother 𓅐𓏏𓁐/𓅐𓁐/𓏏𓅐𓁐.” 

The β€œcloth on a pole π“ŠΉβ€œ hieroglyph is an ideogram for the word god. π“ŠΉ is also a triliteral phonogram, and represents the letters β€œntr” which may have been pronounced like β€œneter” or β€œnetjer.” π“ŠΉ Is also a determinative for β€œgod.” So the β€œcloth on a pole π“ŠΉβ€œ symbol can function as all three types of hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! If you see this symbol, you are most likely looking at a word that has to do with the gods π“ŠΉπ“ŠΉπ“ŠΉ!

The β€œvulture 𓅐” is a triliteral phonogram and represents the sounds β€œmjt/mwt” which we infer would be pronounced like β€œmut.” 

The β€œflat loaf of bread 𓏏” is a uniliteral phonogram used to represent the sound β€œt.”

The phrase β€œGod’s Mother π“ŠΉπ“…β€ can have two different (but related) meanings in Middle Egyptian inscriptions. It can be used to refer to the goddess π“ŠΉπ“ Isis π“Š¨π“π“₯ and will usually appear after her name π“‚‹π“ˆ– in inscriptions. This is in reference to the fact that Isis π“Š¨π“π“₯ is the mother 𓅐𓏏𓁐 of Horus π“…ƒπ“€­, who is the mythological ruler of Egypt π“†Žπ“…“π“π“Š– and the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 was thought to be a representation of Horus π“…ƒπ“€­ on Earth. 

This brings us to the next meaning of this phrase! The phrase β€œGod’s Mother π“ŠΉπ“…β€ was an honorific title held by the woman who gave birth to the current pharaoh 𓉐𓉻! Since the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 was a god on Earth, the woman who gave birth to him/her was quite literally the God’s Mother π“ŠΉπ“…!Β 

God's Mother
Another variant of “God’s Mother” painted on a piece of a sarcophagus at the Brooklyn Museum

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost.Β 

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