Rear View, Kaemwaset Kneeling With An Emblem Of Hathor, Egypt, Ca. 1400-1390 BC Granite, Pigment, Brooklyn Museum ,New York, USA Editorial Photo

Rear View, Kaemwaset Kneeling with an Emblem of Hathor, Egypt, ca. 1400-1390 BC. Granite, pigment, Brooklyn Museum ,New York, USA. Kaemwaset was connected with the temple of Amun-Re at Karnak in Thebes (modern-day Luxor). The inscription on this statue invokes that god, as well as the goddesses Mut and Nebethetepet. It would have enabled the deceased Kaemwaset to share in the daily temple offerings to the gods and to participate in the daily rites of resurrection.The royal name carved on Kaemwaset’s upper right arm dates his statue to the reign of Thutmose IV. The rolls of flesh on his torso are an artistic convention indicating his prosperity. The object he holds represents the head of the goddess Hathor resting on a protective Isis-knot. On her head is a miniature temple gateway, flanked by two spiral or scroll shapes (called volutes). These forms suggest the sistrum, a musical rattle whose sound was beloved by Hathor and other goddesses. The cobra shown in the doorway and two others on the sides also evoke goddesses and their protection.