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Statue of Amun (E14350). Late Dynasty 18-early Dynasty 19, c. 1332-1292
B.C.
From an
early period of Egyptian history, Amun, whose name means "hidden
one," was regarded as a creator god. During the XIth Dynasty (2081-1938
B.C.), he became associated with the city of Thebes as its local
protector. By the New Kingdom, when Thebes became Egypt's capitol,
Amun had risen to a position of such importance that he was considered
the principal sun god of Egypt. He was also known as Amun-Re, who
was a form of the sun god. Most often Amun is shown as a human male
wearing a crown with two tall plumes (missing on this statue). In
his role as a god of fertility, he could also be represented as
a ram with curving horns. Other animal forms that Amun could take
include the goose and the snake.
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