Sekhmet, along with her husband the creator-god Ptah and their son Nerfertum, was part of the powerful trio of deities that protected Ancient Memphis. She was a sun goddess, embodying the scorching, burning, destructive heat of the sun. Fierce goddess of war, the destroyer of the enemies of Ra and Osiris, she was represented as having the head of a lioness and the body of a female human. Like the sun, her temper was uncontrollable. In the legend of Ra and Hathor, Sekhmet's anger became so great, she would have destroyed all of mankind if Ra had not taken pity on us and made her drunk. Sekhmet appears stern and uncompromising in this stone representation of the mighty goddess. The masterful carving of the lion’s head is astounding. The features of the lioness are remarkably naturalistic, and yet, at the same time, we can sense the power of her divinity. There is a human presence despite her feline form. The smooth polished finish, the subtle variations of the musculature, and the effect of multiple textures is all characteristic of the finest Egyptian artwork. The sculptor has transformed this solid stone into soft fur and flesh. Especially elegant are the folds and curves of the flesh in her face, specifically around her eyes and brow. This sculpture of the goddess Sekhmet is a tangible link to another world and time. Ancient Egypt continues to fascinate mankind as it has for thousands of years. Perhaps through studying and appreciating the beauty and mystery of this ancient civilization we might better understand our own culture.