Figure of Shu
1 of 3
Object Label
The Egyptians represented the relationship between sky and earth by showing the body of Nut rising in a majestic arc over the figure of the dark, fecund earth god, Geb. To prevent them from further sexual union after the birth of Osiris, Isis, Seth, and Nephthys, they were separated eternally by Shu, the god of air.
Shu represented the eternal patterns of change the ancient Egyptians associated with cyclical time (neheh). His sister, the leonine goddess Tefnut, was related to the eternal sameness of linear time (djet).
Like most amulets of Shu, this example shows the god kneeling with his arms upraised. The gesture symbolizes Shu's eternal role as the god who separates the deities Nut (sky) and Geb (earth).
Caption
Figure of Shu, ca. 1070.–653 B.C.E.. Faience, 1 3/4 × 7/8 × 3/4 in. (4.5 × 2.2 × 1.9 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 37.954E. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.37.954E_wwgA-1.jpg)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Title
Figure of Shu
Date
ca. 1070.–653 B.C.E.
Period
Late Period
Geography
Place made: Egypt
Medium
Faience
Classification
Dimensions
1 3/4 × 7/8 × 3/4 in. (4.5 × 2.2 × 1.9 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
37.954E
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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