The vulture Goddess Nekhbet (Egyptian)
was originally worshipped in the city of Nekhbet but later she became a national
Goddess representing Upper Egypt in the same way that Lower Egypt was
represented by the protective snake Goddess, Edjo of Buto.
The animals of the two Goddesses became the symbolic animals of the two halves
of the country. The vulture and the snake became the royal insignia, especially
as adornments for the head. In fact, they became embodiment of the two crowns.
Nekhbet is often shown with her wings outstretched in protection, hovering over
the Pharaoh and holding in her claws the hieroglyphic symbol the
"Shem", which means "to encircle" and "infinity."
Representative of lordship over all that the sun encircles was her message.
Nekhbet was also considered a Goddess of childbirth, often shown suckling the
royal child or even the King himself. Here Nekhbet is depicted in the guise of
an elegant Queen.
Temple of Abydos, Egypt. Dynasty
XIX, 1317 B.C.
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