Egyptian Polychrome Stone Relief Fragment of Uraeus

Egypt, Late Dynastic Period, 26th to 31st Dynasty, ca. 664 to 332 BCE. An impressive stone relief depicting a uraeus wearing the red crown of Lower (Northern) Egypt, known as the Deshret, adorned in vibrant hues of sky blue, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, light brown, and white. The uraeus was a sacred cobra worn on the headdresses of Egyptian deities and sovereigns. The remarkable piece displays the ancient serpent with an ovoid head and flared hood facing a thick vertical striation of blue pigment. A central white stripe with several horizontal lines decorates the cobra's body. The inclusion of the Deshret upon the head of the uraeus in this example indicates that the serpent was likely intended as a representation of goddess Wadjet, who was the matron and protector of Lower Egypt and, upon unification with Upper Egypt, the joint protector of all of Egypt. When Wadjet is shown in the form of a cobra, she serves the role of patron and protector, hence why the symbol of the uraeus is used on the crowns of Lower and unified Egypt; to emphasize her protection over the pharaoh who sought to rule her land. Size: 3.125" L x 1.5" W x 2.625" H (7.9 cm x 3.8 cm x 6.7 cm); 3.875" H (9.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Wadjet's counterpart is Nekhbet, the tutelary deity of Upper Egypt who appeared as a vulture. When Egypt was unified, the image of Nekhbet joined Wadjet on the uraeus. Together, the deities were known as the Nebty or the "Two Ladies" who were joint patrons and protectors of Egypt and worshipped by all. Unlike many other deities of Ancient Egypt, the Two Ladies were not merged with other gods and retained their identities as distinct goddesses due to each of their importance to their separate cults.

The carved (rather than simply painted) and brightly colorful nature of this relief indicates that it was from a prestigious location - most likely a major temple, but also possibly a high-ranking official's tomb or even a palace. Images like this one were part of larger stories, usually a journey through the afterlife or meeting deities in the afterlife, that were designed to help people understand religious concepts and, if found in a tomb, to introduce the dead to their new world.

Provenance: private collection, Santa Clara, California, USA, acquired prior to 2010

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#164638
Condition Report: Fragment of larger piece. Expected light abrasions. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remaining pigments.