Ritual Spirit (Kemet/Egypt): African Art and Painting by Josh Sessoms Art. Heru (Horus) and Ra as Falcon (Ra Heruakhety). Sculpture of Bes. Philadelphia, Raleigh/Durham and New York.

Date: 2016
Medium: Colored Pencil
Dimensions: 18"x24" (45.72 x 60.96 cm)

Sekhmet is a female warrior neter (deity) of Ancient Kemet whose name derives from the Medu Neter (divine speech) word 'sekhem' which translates to powerful and mighty. Her propensity for sheer force and will gives Sekhmet the strength to overcome any obstacle while simultaneously maintaining a balanced and strong foundation.

She is a natural hunter often shape shifting into a lioness with a sun disk and iaret (rearing cobra) on her head. The wadjet and iaret symbolize sovereignty, royalty and the unification of Upper and Lower Kemet (Egypt) - which when unified is also known as Smai Tawi. The sun disk denotes her status as a solar deity - the daughter of Ra. Sekhmet is the guardian of the Pharaohs.

EXHIBITION HISTORY

CAM Raleigh: CAMstellation
Raleigh, NC
Contemporary Art Museum Raleigh
July 1 - September 4, 2016