Ancient Bust of Ramses II Unearthed in Giza
Ancient Egypt arts arts & culture cairo Culture egypt Egyptians sightsMariam Nowar
(Image credit: Ahram and El Watan)
The Ministry of Antiquities unearthed an ancient bust in Giza that was identified as Ramses II. The statue carried the “Ka” symbol, which was originally meant to protect the spirit of the person, according to Britannica. The emblem is embodied in two raised arms.
The red granite bust was discovered in Mit Rahina village, where a landowner was captured after illegally digging at the site without the government’s knowledge, according to Ahram. The artefact is 105cm tall, 55cm wide and 45cm deep.
El Watan reported that not only does the “Ka” appear on the statue’s head, but it was also carved into its back, where the words Ka Nakht Mari Maat were engraved, meaning ‘The Powerful Loved Bull Maat’. The word Maat is the personification of truth, justice, and the cosmic order.
The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mostafa Waziri, stated that the bust is so unique that the only similarly-discovered artefact belonged to the 13th Dynasty King Hor Awibre, which is currently on display at the Egyptian Museum.
Ahram also reported the unearthing of a collection of blocks that displayed Ramses II during religious rituals dedicated to the worship of Ptah, as excavations resume at the site. The bust and blocks will be restored and placed on display at the Mit Rahina open-air museum.
(Via Ahram)
(Via Ahram)
(Via Ahram)