Royal Statuette
Bronze
Napatan Period (25th Dynasty, 747-656 BC)
Purchased, 1931
OIM 13954

Nubian kings were considered to be part god and part man because the god Amun fathered them. Rulers inherited their positions through their mothers as well as their fathers, and since there were often several sons or daughters eligible for the position, selection was, in some cases, made by the god Amun. Temple priests would “speak” to Amun and convey his choice.

To the left is a bronze sculpture of a Nubian king wearing the Nubian-style cap crown. It dates from a time when Nubia dominated Egypt as the self-proclaimed protectors of Amun. The sculpture includes symbols of kingship such as the necklace with ram heads, the symbol of Amun, and the use of two uraeus snakes on the cap crown, perhaps symbolizing the fact that this king ruled Egypt and Nubia. The panther head on the belt refers to the king’s role as a priest. This Nubian king also wears a kilt similar to those worn by Egyptian pharaohs.