Sphinx of King Sheshenq
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Object Label
The sphinx was one of many composite beings created by the ancient Egyptians. Such images were not simply combinations of human and animal forms; they emphasized the more-than-human aspects of the subject.
Small figures of sphinxes were made as temple offerings or as part of the decoration of cult objects. When added to ritual objects, sphinxes such as this served a protective role. The figure is inscribed for a King Sheshenq, but we cannot be certain which of the five pharaohs named Sheshenq is shown.
Caption
Sphinx of King Sheshenq, ca. 945–712 B.C.E.. Bronze, 2 × 3/4 × 2 5/8 in. (5.1 × 1.9 × 6.7 cm) mount (Display dimensions): 2 1/4 × 1 1/8 × 3 in. (5.7 × 2.9 × 7.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 33.586. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Sphinx of King Sheshenq
Date
ca. 945–712 B.C.E.
Dynasty
Dynasty 22 to Dynasty 23
Period
Third Intermediate Period
Geography
Place made: Egypt
Medium
Bronze
Classification
Dimensions
2 × 3/4 × 2 5/8 in. (5.1 × 1.9 × 6.7 cm) mount (Display dimensions): 2 1/4 × 1 1/8 × 3 in. (5.7 × 2.9 × 7.6 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
33.586
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