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The God Nefertem

Egyptian, Classical, Ancient Near Eastern Art

On View: Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
The complex nature of Egyptian deities is often indicated by their attributes. Osiris’s tightly wrapped mummy shroud and his crook and flail (symbolizing kingship) point to the legend of Osiris’s murder, mummification, and subsequent resurrection as the ruler of the underworld. The cobra held by his wife, Isis, represents the magic that revived her husband and guarded their son, Horus. As the rightful heir to Osiris’s throne and the embodiment of kingship, the falcon-god Horus wears the Double Crown.

Animals can also reveal divine qualities. The cow or cow-human forms of Hathor refer to her role as provider of milk to Horus and to young kings of Egypt. Bastet, another benevolent female deity, appears as a cat or cat-headed woman, carrying a basket and sistrum.

Certain deities, including Neith, Ptah, Nefertem, and Imhotep, were portrayed in human form. The ancient protectress Neith, associated with war and hunting, wears the flat-topped Red Crown of Lower Egypt. The Memphite creator-god Ptah holds a staff with hieroglyphs for life and permanence. Ptah’s son, Nefertem, a lotus on his head (symbolizing rebirth), defends Maat with his scimitar. Imhotep, the deified architect of Djoser’s pyramid, shares Ptah’s close-fitting cap, and the papyrus on his lap emphasizes wisdom and creativity.
MEDIUM Bronze, silver
  • Place Made: Egypt
  • DATES ca. 664–525 B.C.E. or later
    DYNASTY Dynasty 26
    PERIOD Late Period
    DIMENSIONS 14 1/4 x 3 1/16 x 4 1/2 in. (36.2 x 7.8 x 11.5 cm) mount (display dimensions): 17 3/4 x 3 x 6 in. (45.1 x 7.6 x 15.2 cm)  (show scale)
    ACCESSION NUMBER 05.393
    CREDIT LINE Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
    PROVENANCE Archaeological provenance not yet documented; by April 1905, acquired by Claude Camille Rollin and Félix Bienaimé Feuardent of Paris, France; April 25, 1905, purchased from Claude Camille Rollin and Félix Bienaimé Feuardent by the Brooklyn Museum.
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    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION Bronze statue of Nefer-tum standing with sickle clasped in right hand and conventional headdress. Of excellent quality. Elaborate naturalistic veining lines intact. From inner center of the lotus rise two plumes (?) joined. From outer surface of lotus on each side over the ears hangs a menat also inlaid originally. Entire wig worked with very fine incised lines. Small uraeus. Braided beard. Eyes, eyebrows and beard strap formed from copper (?) overlays with eyes white inlaid with silver. Left arm hangs at side with small cylinder, originally inlaid (?), clasped in hand. Right arm held against breast and clasps in the hand an instrument, perhaps a sickle, the handle of which is in the form of a lotus. Pleated shenti kilt. Left leg advanced. Dark green patina. Heavy suspension loop at back of head. Inscription: Traces of the inscription on all four sides of the base but they are almost illegible. Shallow cutting. Condition: General condition excellent. Left front corner of base missing. Inlays missing from headdress. Nose battered. Two patches on green on right side of face. Bronze in excellent condition. Technique: Cast solid. Worked in great detail. Large lotus flower blossom on top of head, outer sides of which were inlaid with glass or paste (now missing).
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Old Kingdom to 18th Dynasty, Egyptian Galleries, 3rd Floor
    CAPTION The God Nefertem, ca. 664–525 B.C.E. or later. Bronze, silver, 14 1/4 x 3 1/16 x 4 1/2 in. (36.2 x 7.8 x 11.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 05.393. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.05.393_wwg8.jpg)
    IMAGE installation, West Wing gallery 8 installation, CUR.05.393_wwg8.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2006
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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