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large kneeling statue of Hatshepsut

Dynasty 18, joint reign of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III

(ca. 1473-1458 B.C.)

Granite

From Thebes, originally from Hatshepsut's temple at Deir el-Bahri

 

This large kneeling statue was once part of a group of similar figures aligned on the right-hand (northern) side of a processional way within an inner court of Hatshepsut's temple. The female pharaoh wears the nemes (striped headcloth) and a beaded necklace from which hangs an enigmatic amulet.

 

According to the inscription on the base, "Maatkare" (Hatshepsut) is represented here as "the one who gives Maat to Amun". Maat was the goddess of order, balance and justice. When a pharaoh offered an image of Maat to another deity, it was a reaffirmation that honor was the guiding principle of his/her rule.

 

Metropolitan Museum of Art

NYC

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Uploaded on May 19, 2008