This seated statue presents King Ramesses II beside the god Ptah-Tatenen, a powerful creator deity in ancient Egyptian theology. Ptah-Tatenen is a composite god—merging Ptah, the master craftsman and god of artisans from Memphis, with Tatenen, the primordial mound that rose from the chaotic waters at the dawn of creation. Together, they embody the divine forces of artistic creation and cosmic birth.
This statue was discovered in Mit Rahina (ancient Memphis), once the capital of Egypt and home to the grand temple of Ptah. The depiction of the king sitting beside a god was a powerful political and religious statement—equating the pharaoh’s authority with divine order. Here, Ptah-Tatenen is typically shown with a distinctive crown made from solar disks, ostrich feathers, and ram horns—symbols of creative energy and fertility. The accompanying inscription describes Ptah-Tatenen as the “Father of the gods,” addressing Ramesses II with the words: “I am your father who placed you upon the throne.”
Ramesses II, who reigned from roughly 1279 to 1213 BCE, leveraged religious iconography masterfully to consolidate power and legitimacy. By showing himself next to a god of creation, he asserts divine approval of his rule—linking his kingship to the birth and order of the universe itself. This statue exemplifies how art, religion, and royal propaganda were deeply intertwined in ancient Egypt.This seated statue presents King Ramesses II beside the god Ptah-Tatenen, a powerful creator deity in ancient Egyptian theology. Ptah-Tatenen is a composite god—merging Ptah, the master craftsman and god of artisans from Memphis, with Tatenen, the primordial mound that rose from the chaotic waters at the dawn of creation. Together, they embody the divine forces of artistic creation and cosmic birth.
This statue was discovered in Mit Rahina (ancient Memphis), once the capital of Egypt and home to the grand temple of Ptah. The depiction of the king sitting ... Discover more with Premium!
Unlock the Full Story of This ArtifactUpgrade to premium to access the complete description, audio guides, and exclusive content for all artifacts.Access the full audio and description for the GEM's main artifacts for only $1.99
