{"product_id":"ancient-egyptian-carved-limestone-sacred-feline-figure-late-period-circa-664-30-b-c","title":"Ancient Egyptian | Carved Limestone Sacred Feline Figure | Late Period | Circa 664–30 B.C.","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Egypt\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carved limestone\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late Period to Ptolemaic Period, 664–30 B.C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA finely carved Ancient Egyptian limestone figure depicting a reclining lioness resting upon an integral rectangular base. The animal is shown in a poised recumbent position with forelegs extended forward and the body raised slightly at the shoulders, a pose symbolizing vigilance and protective strength.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sculpture is rendered in a simplified but expressive form typical of smaller votive animal figures produced during the Late Period. The elongated neck and stylized head face forward, while the hindquarters are folded beneath the body. Subtle carving indicates the musculature of the legs and torso, emphasizing the animal’s power and presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLioness imagery held deep symbolic meaning in Egyptian religion and was closely associated with protective solar deities. Such figures were sometimes linked with fierce guardian goddesses such as \u003cem\u003eSekhmet \u003c\/em\u003eor related leonine divine forms representing strength, protection, and divine authority.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Carved limestone representation of a reclining lioness\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Classic protective animal symbolism in Egyptian religion\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Sculpted on an integrated rectangular base\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Stylized Late Period carving with simplified anatomical detail\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Natural surface patina developed over millennia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe lioness was one of the most powerful symbolic animals in ancient Egyptian belief. It represented solar power, royal protection, and divine ferocity. Lioness deities such as \u003cstrong\u003eSekhmet\u003c\/strong\u003e embodied the destructive and protective force of the sun, while related feline symbolism also connected to the protective aspects of \u003cem\u003eBastet\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall sculptures of sacred animals were commonly placed in temples, shrines, or tomb contexts as devotional offerings intended to invoke divine protection and favor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood ancient condition with surface wear, mineral deposits, and patination consistent with age. Minor abrasions and natural weathering are present across the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight: 1.63 in\u003cbr\u003eLength: 1.25 in\u003cbr\u003eDepth: 0.50 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2,000–2,600 years old\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamine the role of sacred felines in ancient Egypt in the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Divine Felines – Brooklyn Museum\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brooklynmuseum.org\/exhibitions\/divine_felines\"\u003eDivine Felines exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eView our curated \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/ancient-egyptian-mummies-artifacts\" title=\"Ancient Egyptian Artifacts Collection – Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003eAncient Egyptian Artifacts Collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic and Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52555791106370,"sku":null,"price":700.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/ancient-egyptian-limestone-lioness-figure-late-period.png?v=1774187439","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/ancient-egyptian-carved-limestone-sacred-feline-figure-late-period-circa-664-30-b-c","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}