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Egyptian Museum, Cairo. 18th Dynasty 1450 B.C.

Here is a ancient Egyptian artifact and master replica with great historical sense, an ancient Egyptian artwork that would look stunning in every home decor scheme.

The word "Sphinx" used by the Greeks derives perhaps from the Egyptian Shesepankh "Living Statue". It designates a type of statue joining a human head to the body of a lion and symbolizes sovereignty combining the strength of the lion with a human intelligence.

The Egyptian Sphinx was, with only a few exceptions in representations of some Queens of the Middle Kingdom, shown as male. Also, the Egyptian Sphinx was viewed as benevolent, a guardian, whereas the Greek Sphinx was invariably malevolent towards people. The Sphinx was the embodiment of royal power often shown smiting the King's enemies, or the King himself being represented as a victorious Sphinx trampling on his foes. This Sphinx represents King Thutmosis III wearing a striped "Nemes" headcloth protected by an Uraeus and a false beard.