1963.272
Neith (a sister of Isis)
Artist
Artist Unidentified (Egyptian)
Title
Neith (a sister of Isis)
Creation Date
ca. 300 BCE - 150 BCE
Century
3rd-2nd century BCE
Dimensions
8 1/2 in. x 1 1/16 in. (21.59 cm. x 2.7 cm.)
Classification
Sculpture
Creation Place
Ancient Mediterranean, Egyptian
Medium and Support
bronze
Credit Line
Gift of Miss Susan Dwight Bliss
Copyright
Public Domain
Accession Number
1963.272
The goddess Neith strides forward and holds her right arm down against her side while reaching out, arm crooked, with her left. She would have originally held an ankh, an amuletic symbol of life commonly used in Ancient Egypt, or a bow or arrow in her fists, but these attributes are now missing. Although her body has volume and can be examined in the round, the stance of the figure intends a frontal perspective. Neith was also a warrior goddess and, though female, linked to the martial power of the Egyptian king. She wears the red deshret crown of Lower Egypt, traditionally worn by the pharaoh, and often carries weapons. The pose and form of the body correspond to the rather conservative formulas used in Egyptian figural art.
Additional Media
front
right side
back
left side