The God Nefertem
1 of 2
Object Label
The complex nature of Egyptian deities is often indicated by their attributes. Osiris’s tightly wrapped mummy shroud and his crook and flail (symbolizing kingship) point to the legend of Osiris’s murder, mummification, and subsequent resurrection as the ruler of the underworld. The cobra held by his wife, Isis, represents the magic that revived her husband and guarded their son, Horus. As the rightful heir to Osiris’s throne and the embodiment of kingship, the falcon-god Horus wears the Double Crown.
Animals can also reveal divine qualities. The cow or cow-human forms of Hathor refer to her role as provider of milk to Horus and to young kings of Egypt. Bastet, another benevolent female deity, appears as a cat or cat-headed woman, carrying a basket and sistrum.
Certain deities, including Neith, Ptah, Nefertem, and Imhotep, were portrayed in human form. The ancient protectress Neith, associated with war and hunting, wears the flat-topped Red Crown of Lower Egypt. The Memphite creator-god Ptah holds a staff with hieroglyphs for life and permanence. Ptah’s son, Nefertem, a lotus on his head (symbolizing rebirth), defends Maat with his scimitar. Imhotep, the deified architect of Djoser’s pyramid, shares Ptah’s close-fitting cap, and the papyrus on his lap emphasizes wisdom and creativity.
Caption
The God Nefertem, ca. 664–525 B.C.E. or later. Bronze, silver, 14 1/4 x 3 1/16 x 4 1/2 in. (36.2 x 7.8 x 11.5 cm) mount (display dimensions): 17 3/4 x 3 x 6 in. (45.1 x 7.6 x 15.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund, 05.393. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.05.393_wwg8.jpg)
Title
The God Nefertem
Date
ca. 664–525 B.C.E. or later
Dynasty
Dynasty 26
Period
Late Period
Geography
Place made: Egypt
Medium
Bronze, silver
Classification
Dimensions
14 1/4 x 3 1/16 x 4 1/2 in. (36.2 x 7.8 x 11.5 cm) mount (display dimensions): 17 3/4 x 3 x 6 in. (45.1 x 7.6 x 15.2 cm)
Credit Line
Charles Edwin Wilbour Fund
Accession Number
05.393
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
You may download and use Brooklyn Museum images of this three-dimensional work in accordance with a Creative Commons license. Fair use, as understood under the United States Copyright Act, may also apply. Please include caption information from this page and credit the Brooklyn Museum. If you need a high resolution file, please fill out our online application form (charges apply). For further information about copyright, we recommend resources at the United States Library of Congress, Cornell University, Copyright and Cultural Institutions: Guidelines for U.S. Libraries, Archives, and Museums, and Copyright Watch. For more information about the Museum's rights project, including how rights types are assigned, please see our blog posts on copyright. If you have any information regarding this work and rights to it, please contact copyright@brooklynmuseum.org.
Frequent Art Questions
Tell me more.
The god Nefertem, as you may have guessed from the large lotus flower on his head, is closely associated with this symbolic and fragrant flower. He is associated with creation because the sun is said to have first appeared out of a lotus flower and he is considered the patron of perfume.What is he holding in his right hand?
This is a blade or weapon that Nefertem would use to defend Ma’at, the Egyptian concept of truth and balance in the universe.Is he holding anything in his left fist?There is a small cylinder in his fist. This is a common feature of ancient Egyptian statues, but scholars aren’t certain exactly what it represents. Some guesses are a rolled up prayer, an amulet, or even a stand-in for a longer staff.
Have information?
Have information about an artwork? Contact us at
