Archaeological Discoveries Illuminate Worship Practices of Hathor in Ancient Egypt
Recent excavations in the ancient city of Buto, located in Kafr El-Sheikh province to the north of Cairo, have unveiled an impressive array of relics linked to the worship of the goddess Hathor. Undertaken by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the discovery by archaeologists includes ceremonial tools and art pieces that shine a light on the ritualistic practices of the time.
At the site known as Tell El Fara’in, or the Hill of the Pharaohs, a limestone pillar depicting Hathor was uncovered alongside a well intended for sacred water. Additionally, the team discovered an offering holder and fragments of gold scales that were likely used for gilding other artifacts. Among the notable finds were incense burners crafted from tin-glazed faience pottery, one of which features the falcon head of the god Horus.
Mostafa Waziri, the head of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, highlighted the significance of these findings, asserting that they represent tools utilized in daily religious ceremonies dedicated to Hathor. Among the artifacts also found were diminutive clay statues of Taweret, a goddess associated with childbirth, and various artistic creations. These include ivory reliefs portraying daily life activities, such as women presenting offerings, as well as images of flora and fauna. A partially preserved mural illustrates a king engaged in temple rituals.
Inscriptions from the site revealed the names of several pharaohs from the 26th dynasty. The temple complex was particularly noteworthy for its bathing area, which included a bathtub and a small basin, evidencing a rudimentary plumbing system designed to supply fresh water and dispose of waste.
Additional hieroglyphic inscriptions were uncovered that detailed the reign of King Psamtik I, who ruled from approximately 664 to 610 B.C., alongside references to other rulers from the same dynasty, including Waha Ip-Ra and Ahmose II. A striking artifact was the pure gold eye of Ra, also recognized as the eye of Horus or Ujat, which embodies an aspect of Hathor, often depicted as Ra’s eye since her roots trace back to the third millennium B.C.
Hathor’s various cults throughout Egyptian history associate her with multiple themes, including fertility and love, beauty, the afterlife, and even precious minerals like turquoise. Notably, a “maternity chair,” signifying her role as a fertility goddess, was also part of the archaeological trove.
Historically, Buto served as the capital of Lower Egypt prior to its unification with Upper Egypt around 3100 B.C. The artifacts discovered at this site, dating back to a much later period between 664 and 332 B.C., contribute significantly to our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization and its religious practices.
The findings from the Hill of the Pharaohs have distinguished themselves as vital pieces of historical research, offering insights into the rituals dedicated to one of the most revered deities in ancient Egyptian culture.
