Ancient Egyptian Goddess Bust Revealed as Priceless Masterpiece
Assalamu Alaikum, brothers and sisters! A remarkable bust of an ancient Egyptian goddess, once thought to be a mere imitation, has now been confirmed as a genuine 2,500-year-old artwork by a master sculptor of that era.
The bust, measuring 24cm, dates back to the reign of Amasis II (570–526 BC) and is believed to have originated from the Temple of Neith in Sais, Egypt. It is made from a special stone called Egyptian metagreywacke and was crafted by an artist known as the "Greywacke Master."
Interestingly, the sculpture’s nose was restored in the 18th century by Italian artisans who tried to fix the damaged face. They carefully carved a replacement nose from part of the original stone and painted over it. This damage likely happened during a period of conflict when Amasis II’s reign ended.
After thorough investigation by experts in London, including scientists and Egyptologists, the bust’s authenticity was confirmed following a year of study. They traced its journey from the quarry in Wadi Hammamat to its restoration in Italy and finally its mistaken identity in recent times.
The restoration work, although skillful, had caused some doubts about the bust’s true age, but once the added wax and paint were removed, the original serene features of the goddess shone through again.
This exquisite piece is now considered one of the finest examples of ancient Egyptian sculpture in private hands and is valued at around £1.5 million ($2 million).
The story of this bust reminds us of the rich history and artistic heritage of our Muslim brothers and sisters’ ancestors in Egypt, and how preservation and respect for such treasures help us connect with the past.
May Allah bless those who work to protect and share the beauty of our shared human history. Ameen.
https://www.thenationalnews.co