Bronze statue of Neith, Egypt, 200 BCE-400 CE

Made:
20 BCE-400 CE in Egypt
Fine bronze figurine of Neith inlaid with gold, Egyptian

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Fine bronze figurine of Neith inlaid with gold, Egyptian
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

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.

Details

Category:
Classical & Medieval Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A634852
Materials:
bronze (copper, tin alloy), gold (metal), granite and complete
Measurements:
overall: 190 mm x 46 mm x 47 mm, .33kg
statue: 142 mm x 34 mm x 23 mm,
type:
statue
credit:
Sotheby's