Egyptian / Lion / ca. 3000?2700 B.C.

Egyptian
Lion
ca. 3000?2700 B.C.
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Creator Nationality: African; North African; Egyptian
Creator Name-CRT: Egyptian
Title: Lion
View: Principal view
Creation Start Date: 0
Creation End Date: 2
Creation Date: ca. 3000?2700 B.C.
Creation Place: Perhaps from Gebelein, Upper Egypt
Object Type: Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Materials and Techniques: Quartz
Dimensions: L. 10 in. (25.2 cm)
Description:

This powerful figure of a crouching lion belongs to the beginning of Egypt's historic period, when the process of integrating Upper and Lower Egypt into one centralized state was underway. The simplified sculptural treatment, with the tail curled over the back and the absence of a base, is typical of sculpture from this period, when the Egyptians were learning to master the art of carving in hard stone.

This statuette is said to have come from Gebelein, a site in Upper Egypt about twenty miles south of modern Luxor, where there was a temple to the goddess Hathor. Although best known as the goddess of love and beauty, Hathor was also a celestial mother goddess who often appears as a cow suckling the king. In her less benevolent aspect, she is represented as a lioness. It is possible that this statuette was a votive offering presented to the temple by the king.

AMICA Contributor: The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location: New York, New York
ID Number: 66.99.2
Credit Line: Purchase, Fletcher Fund and Guide Foundation Inc. Gift, 1966
Copyright: Copyright ? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All rights reserved.
Rights: http://www.metmuseum.org/education/er_photo_lib.asp
Style or Period: Early Dynastic Period, Dynasties 1?2
AMICA ID: MMA_.66.99.2
AMICA Library Year: 2002
Media Metadata Rights: Copyright (c) 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art. All Rights Reserved

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