Statuette of Mut

Artist Unidentified

Period New Kingdom Period (Ancient Egyptian, 1550–1070 BCE)

Dynasty Dynasty 20 (Ancient Egyptian, 1186–1070 BCE)

Place of OriginPossibly Karnak, Egypt

Date20th Dynasty (1186-1070 BCE)

Dimensions9 5/8 in. (24.4 cm)

Mediumbronze

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LineGift of Edward Drummond Libbey

Object number

1906.106

On View

Toledo Museum of Art (2445 Monroe Street), Gallery, 02, Classic

DescriptionThe hieroglyphic inscriptions incised in the wax bases before being cast in bronze are corroded, but preserved well enough to show that the three statuettes of the Theban Triad in the collection - of Amun (1906.105), Mut (1906.106), and Khonsu (1906.107) - were commissioned and dedicated by the same person.

Label TextThis statuette represents Mut, a major goddess in ancient Egyptian religion and a key figure in the Theban Triad alongside Amun and their son, Khonsu. Mut, whose name means "mother," symbolized divine motherhood, power, and protection. She is often depicted wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, emphasizing her role as a queen and protector of the pharaoh. In her iconography, Mut may also be shown with a vulture headdress or as a lioness, aligning her with fierce protective deities like Sekhmet.Published ReferencesLuckner, Kurt T., "The art of Eygpt, Part 2" Toledo Museum of Art Museum News, new series, vol. 14, no. 3, Fall 1971, p. 69, repr. fig. 10.

Peck, William H., Sandra E. Knudsen and Paula Reich, Egypt in Toledo: The Ancient Egyptian Collection at the Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo, Toledo Museum of Art, 2011, p. 63, repr. (col.).

Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, The Mummies: From Egypt to Toledo, February 3- May 6, 2018.