2-730-882 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Head of Sekhmet, c. 1391-1353 BC. The lioness-headed goddess Sekhmet, "the powerful one," embodied the violent side of the feline goddess, whose gentler aspect was personified by the cat-goddess Bastet. Even unprovoked, she could cause havoc and devastation. To appease her and ensure a prosperous reign, Amenhotep III commissioned 730 statues of Sekhmet, some seated, some standing, which he set up in his temples in Thebes. He thus hoped to enlist her protection every day and every night of the year.