Egypt, Late Period, ca. 712 to 30 BCE. An exceedingly rare miniature statuette of Maahes (also spelled Mahes, Miysis, Mysis), lion-god of war and protection and lord of the horizon, modeled from beautiful turquoise faience of striking blue-green hues. The lion-headed god stands striding with his left leg forward, wearing the shendyt kilt and tripartite wig, his hands clasped under his chin (perhaps devouring a captive). Size: 1.75" H (4.4 cm); 2.375" H (6 cm)

In Egyptian mythology, lions were associated with royalty, and Maahes was regarded as the patron of the pharaoh; note Maahes' pharoahic stance (with the exception of the arms) in this example. Due to this, he was usually described as the son of Bast (who could assume the form of a lion and was a considered to be the patron of Lower Egypt) or the son of Sekhmet (who was traditionally depicted as a lioness and was a patron of Upper Egypt). His father was believed to be either Ptah or Ra (whoever was understood as the chief god at that time).

Scholars seem to enjoy discussing the meaning of Maahes' name which literally translates as "(one who can) see in front." Furthermore, the initial part of his name is also the first part of the word "ma" (meaning lion) as well as the verb "maa" (meaning to see); what's more it is spelled with the symbol of a sickle for the sound "m" which associates it with the word Ma´at (meaning truth or balance). Thus, another possible translation is "True Before Her" (referring to Ma´at). This said, Maahes was hardly ever referred to by name. Instead, he was most often described with descriptive phrases such as, "The Lord of the Massacre"; "Wielder of the Knife"; "The Scarlet Lord" (referring to the blood of his victims), and "Lord of Slaughter". Despite these bloodcurdling epithets, he was not necessarily viewed as a force of evil; rather he punished all who violated the rules of Ma´at, and in this way fostered order and justice. Consequently, he was also known as "Helper of the Wise Ones" and the "Avenger of Wrongs".

Provenance: acquired at Bonham's London, October 2010

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Loss to suspension loop behind the head.