Goddess Skehmet. Ancient Egypt, Lower Epoch, 664-323 BC. Bronze. Provenance: private collection in Paris. Acquired on the art market in 1980. In good state of preservation. Measurements: 13 cm (height); 14,8 cm (height with stand). Statuette in bronze, of round bulk, representing the goddess Sekhmet standing, with her hands on her hips, lioness head and crown with the solar disk and the uraeus or protective snake. Egyptian goddess of war and revenge, Skehmet was the daughter of Ra and, together with her husband Ptah and her son Nefertum, formed the triad of Memphis. She is often identified with Hathor and is also related to Bastet, which would be its peaceful aspect. She is represented as we see here, with the body of a woman and the head of a lioness, although with mane, generally crowned with the solar disk and the uraeus, generally also carrying the Ankh and a papyrus or lotus flower, as well as several arrows. She was also depicted as a crocodile-headed woman or as the eye Udyat. Although she was a goddess feared for her anger, if she could be appeased, she granted the vigor and energy to overcome weakness and disease. She was also considered an ally and protector of her father Ra, since she killed those who dared to confront or attack the monarchy, both divine and earthly. In her funerary aspect she was known as "the one who restrains darkness", and was also called "expert in magic" as a healer, and "goddess of love" for provoking passions.