Statuette, Neith

Unknown

664–380 B.C. · Bronze or copper alloy · Egyptian Art

Beginning in Dynasty 26, Sais became more prominent as the home of the kings. The main goddess of Sais was Neith, and many statues of the goddess were created during Dynasty 26, both for Sais, but certainly also for cities where her cult was respected such as the capital Memphis or the emporium Naukratis that lay downstream from Sais. After Dynasty 26, the goddess and the city both retained some prominence, although the city was no longer the dynastic seat. The level brows and narrow but full-lipped slightly smiling mouth closely resemble features that may be seen in the bronze statuette of king Amasis (35.9.3) or stone statuettes of his officials such as General Amasis (66.99.68).

Artist

Unknown

Date

664–380 B.C.

Medium

Bronze or copper alloy

Department

Egyptian Art

Credit line

Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926