1.19 The Great Sphinx

A sphinx is a lion with a human head, and for the Egpytians, it was an animal associated with power--the "king of beasts." Instead showing the animal standing or attacking, it couches with almost regal authority, with its paws extended out and tail wrapped around the body.

The Great Sphinx, Gizeh, ca. 2520-2494 BCE. Limestone. 64’ x 240’

The human face is believed to be that of the pharaoh himself, Khafre. It would have featured the additional costume elements of an Egyptian soveign: a ceremonial false beard (that would be attached and removed as needed) and a headdress with a cobra (another animal associated with power, but also with a protective deity), broken remnants of each found during excavations.

What do these hybrid ingredients communicate?

The human face communicates human intelligence while the lion's body sends a message of formidable strength. Traces of paint indicate that the Great Sphinx was painted as wel