LATE PERIOD, 664-332 B.C.

According to R.H. Wilkinson (The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt, pp. 156-157), Neith – a multidimensional goddess associated with weaponry, cosmogonic creation and Lower Egypt – was “one of the most important ancient deities known from Egypt.” While she was venerated as early as the Early Dynastic period, her popularity was closely linked to the rise of the powerful dynasty in Sais, her cult city, which ruled Egypt from 664-525 B.C. as the Saite (or 26th) Dynasty (see p. 109 in M. Hill, ed., Gifts for the Gods: Images from Egyptian Temples). This example is notable for portraying Neith standing with her feet parallel rather than striding forward, as typically fashioned.