|
The Old Egyptian Divinity »Amun« The standing/walking
figure made of bronze shows the god in human shape on a rectangular,
inscribed base. Amun together with Mut and Chons form the Triad of Karnak. The pyramid texts from the Old Realm, however, also mention the pair of gods, Amun and Amaunet. This shows that relations can sever or new relations can arise in the world of gods (transfers worldly structures into the world of gods). Since the Middle Realm, Amun has appeared as the local god of Theben. Further manifestations of the god are the ram, goose, a human with the head of a ram, a human with the head of a crocodile, a human with erected phallus or a human with a double feather crown. Amun's function as a sun and sky divinity is underlined by the iconographic details (sun disk, feather crown, feather ornaments on the bodice) and, in addition, also by the colour symbolism: sometimes Amun is represented with a blue skin colour, which refers to his solar function. The aspect of fertility is underlined by his green or black skin colour. Ilona
Bacher-Goettfried |
The
arms take up the element of dynamism by "moving" slightly forward instead
of dangling "weakly" from his body. On his head you can see the cap
(crown) typical of him. He wears it frequently when shown in human shape.
The cap shows one sun disk and two feathers. The falcon feathers and
the sun disk refer to the aspect of a sun god; Amun is also referred
to with the epithet "Master of Rays". The cap is similar to the Egyptian
king's crown and probably is to emphasise the close connection between
king and god. At the chin a plaited god's beard, rolled up to the front,
can be seen. The beard is not naturally grown, it is an artificial beard.
It was tied around the god's head. The beard ties are shown as fine
grooves on both sides of the face. A four-row necklace (ornament) was
put around the shoulder area of the statue. The torso is dressed in
a bodice with a feather pattern. The loincloth of the god decorated
with a belt is a three-piece king's loincloth. It is used to point out
Amun's outstanding position : Amun as a king of the gods.