Fine bronze figurine of Neith inlaid with gold, Egyptian, 20BC-400AD

Neith was an ancient Egyptian goddess of childbirth and her temple at Saïs, Egypt, was said to have healing properties. Neith became one of the four goddesses of the dead, guarding the canopic jar containing the stomach, which was removed as part of the process of mummification. The ancient Egyptians believed that while illness and disease were natural events, they also had supernatural causes, which were controlled by the gods. Prevention and treatment of illness and disease therefore included prayers at home to statues of gods like this one.