Statue of God Ptah, King Ramesses II & Goddess Sekhmet

This captivating statue represents a powerful triad of ancient Egyptian deities and royal figures: Ptah, the god of creation; Sekhmet, the fierce goddess of war and healing; and King Ramesses II, one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. The sculpture was originally found in the Great Temple of Ptah at Heracleopolis Magna (modern Ihnasya el-Medina), and it reflects the complex religious and political ideologies of Egypt’s New Kingdom. Ptah is depicted as a bearded man wrapped in a shroud-like garment, holding the scepter of dominion and stability—symbols of his role as a master craftsman and creator. Sekhmet, known as the “Powerful One,” is portrayed with her lioness head, an emblem of both destruction and protection. She was revered as a guardian of kingship and as a healer of plagues. Between these divine figures sits Ramesses II, shown in traditional pharaonic attire, signifying his divine right to rule and his close relationship with the gods. The base of this statue is particularly intriguing. Shaped like the hieroglyphic “heb” sign—a symbol of jubilation and eternal offerings—it hints at the statue’s original purpose in ritual celebrations. The “heb” base is commonly associated with offerings and divine blessings, and here it underscores the powerful protective aura surrounding the pharaoh. Ramesses II, who reigned for more than 60 years, is remembered for his military exploits, vast building projects, and diplomatic achievements. His inclusion alongside Ptah and Sekhmet in this triad suggests both his mortal authority and his role as a semi-divine ruler, bridging the worlds of gods and men. This statue’s presence in the Great Temple of Ptah in Memphis underscores how the king’s image was woven into the very fabric of Egypt’s spiritual life.