Leopard's Head from Priest's Robe

Art Historical Context

This exquisite pottery leopard's head, to Egypt's New Kingdom Dynasty 18 (ca. 1550–1295 B.), once adorned a priest's ceremonial robe. Crafted at a modest scale—8.8 cm long and 7.2 cm wide—it exemplifies the intricate appliqués used in ritual garments. During this golden age of pharaonic power, under rulers like Hatshepsut and Tuthamun, high priests donned leopard skins over their shoulders to invoke the animal's fierce protection and divine ferocity, linking them to gods such as Anubis or the warrior goddess Sekhmet. Modeled from fired clay, the piece showcases ancient Egyptian pottery techni...