01/14/2025
Statue of Princess Takush*t
The statue of Princess Takush*t was discovered in Lower Egypt, near Lake Mariut, south of Alexandria in 1880 AD. She lived during the tail-end of the 25th Dynasty. The statuette was crafted with meticulous detail, the copper alloy hollow cast lined with bronze, silver and gold and is an example of divine artistic expression. ββThe statuette is covered with engravings of hieroglyphs, and motifs of various deities, Onuris, his Consort Mehyt, Heru, Sekhmet, Amun in his ram form and a few others. Her expression and slight smile is one of subtle joy and serenity. Her demeanor exudes a lifelike realism and humble confidence suggestive of her dedication to divinity and ritualistic practice.
Her voluminous afro is twisted into short locs reminiscent of the common hairstyle referred to as the βNubian Lappetβ. In her bent left arm, she once grasped the fly-whisk scepter, while her extended right hand once held the menit, a musical instrument played during rituals. Around her neck is a protective usekh collar, on her arms two elegantly crafted bracelets. Barefoot and poised in a walking stance, Takush*t is depicted in stride with her left foot forward, representing movement and progress while adhering to artistic conventions.
Princess Takush*t was an Egyptian princess and priestess who held both royal and religious roles during the Late 25th Dynasty, around 670 BC. Her name means βthe Nubian or Kush*teβ, which raises questions given her reported lineage as the daughter of Akanuasa II, a Meshwesh Chieftain of Libyan origin who governed the Delta region during the reign of King Piankhi. This apparent contradiction has sparked various interpretations among scholars. Some point to the possibility her name refers to a family connection or to the marriage with a Nubian man while other theorize her mother may have been Nubian. While still others question the validity of the origins of her father.
Third Intermediate Period, Late 25th Dynasty, ca. 670 BC. Now in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, Greece. ΞΞΞ.110