Sphinx

Origins

These monuments, referred to generally by the name given to them by the Greeks, were common in Egypt and Greece. Primarily shown as a crouching lion, sphinxes were associated with royalty and were placed at the entrances of palaces and tombs to protect the inhabitants from evil spirits and Earthly enemies. In ancient Egyptian culture, many animals possessed religious significance. The lion was associated with the solar deities or sun gods and was revered for its courage, strength, and guardianship. Ancient Egyptians believed that lion gods served as protectors and guarded the gates beginning and ending the day.

Beliefs

Among the most notable Egyptian sphinxes is the conjoined sphinx representing the lion god, Aker. The Egyptians believed that Aker, known as an Earth god, watched over the eastern and western horizons guarding the gate through which the sun would pass each day. Another sphinx, Tutu, was prominent during the 1st millennium BC. One of [Page 631][Page 632]the forms in which Tutu was depicted was that of a walking lion. Standing or walking sphinxes were often shown in confrontation with enemies of the Egyptians. The son of the goddess Neith, Tutu was known for his ability to keep enemies away. In Karnak, the path to the temple of Amun is lined with ram-headed sphinxes, also known as criosphinxes. Another sphinx, that of Queen Hatsheput, fifth ruler of the 18th dynasty, builder and restorer of many temples throughout Egypt, was erected in Deir el-Bahri. The connection between lion gods and royalty fostered the belief that sphinxes representing reigning rulers held the power of the king or queen to protect and defend ancient Egypt.

Figure 1The sphinx is the first colossal royal ancestral sculpture in Africa.

Source: Molefi Kete Asante.

The Great Sphinx at Giza was built to honor and accommodate the sun god Re, also known as Ra or Horus. Re's power on Earth was demonstrated through his ability to provide light, heat, and agricultural growth. The Great Sphinx is thought to be a representation of King Khafre, the third ruler of the 4th dynasty. Built facing the rising sun, the Great Sphinx was also referred to by the ancient Egyptians as Horemakbet, “Horus in the Horizon.”