This sculpture, originating from the XIX Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, dates from 1292 BC to 1189 BC. This collection depicts two prominent deities from the period: Amun, associated with the sun, air, and creation, and Mut, the earthly and celestial mother goddess.
Both statues stand around 2 meters tall, exhibiting a symmetry and balance characteristic of the New Kingdom's artistic principles. Made from granodiorite stone, these figures demonstrate the technical skill of the period. The polished surface of the stone adds to the overall solemnity of the piece.
Amun is depicted seated on a simple cubic throne, wearing a shendyet kilt and dual-plumed crown. He holds a was scepter and ankh, signs of divine authority and life, respectively. Mut, represented as a woman, is also seated, wearing a vulture headdress, typically associated with motherhood. She holds a papyrus scepter, a symbol of her authority in Lower Egypt, and an ankh, again affirming life. Both statues are decorated with detailed carvings, including geometric patterns, symmetric motifs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions, lending further cultural and religious context to the piece.
The statues demonstrate a dualistic nature that is central to ancient Egyptian ideology. The obvious artistic reference to this concept of duality and unity is evident in the craftsmanship. Notably, the statues are conjoined along a single back pillar, indicating their symbolic unity and emphasizing the potent religious symbolism of the artifact.
