Ritual Figure

myminifactory

The majestic pose and chest-thumping gesture of this remarkable figure command a grand performance. Egyptian relief depictions portray such figures as members of an ensemble of kneeling divine beings with falcon and jackal heads. This troupe is typically seen attending the dawn or the birth and coronation of a king; three-dimensional representations of the same type were placed around the processional shrines of certain gods, undoubtedly to accompany the manifestation of the deity during a procession. It is not straightforward to explain the presence among the animal-headed deities of the human-headed figure adorned with—the regalia seen here—the attire of a pharaoh. Some scholars interpret the figure as the representation of an actual king. Others view it as a mythical being that incorporates royal elements into the otherworldly ritual. Whatever its precise meaning, this outstanding masterpiece of wood carving was undoubtedly part of a temple's equipment. Its ritual significance was further underscored by a covering of lead sheet, now vanished.