The Great Sphinx of Tanis

The Great Sphinx of Tanis

For the ancient Egyptians, most artworks served a primarily symbolic purpose. So this Great Sphinx was not just meant to look good; it was, above all, a guardian. The lion’s body symbolises the sky-god Horus and the human head represents the pharaoh, so the sphinx demonstrates the link between the pharaoh and the gods – especially the sun god Ra, the creator of the universe (. With its outstretched claws and tense body, this sphinx looks ready to pounce, demonstrating its protective role. Sphinxes were placed at the entrance to sacred places to keep evil forces away.