The name ‘Sekhmet’ means ‘powerful one.’ The daughter of Ra, the Sun God, this goddess caused disease and destruction but also played a role as a merciful deity who drove off enemies and cured illnesses. This statue is one of about 730 made to cure the illness of Amenhetep III of the 18th dynasty. The right hand, now lost, is thought to have held an ankh, a symbol of life. The papyrus scepter in the left hand is held near the middle of the body. The sun disk with the uraeus (a cobra) on her head indicates her relationship to Ra. A tri-part wig tops her head. She also wears a broad collar worn by gods.