Statues of Amun and Mut, from Karnak Temple, New Kingdom (limestone)

These statues have undergone extensive restoration work; the head of the goddess was originally excavated by Auguste Mariette at Karnak in 1873, with further parts being found over the course of many years in subsequent excavations. They represent the gods Amun and Mut, seated on large thrones. Mut places her right hand on her knee, and the other on her husband. She wears a tight dress, beautifully decorated with two straps over her shoulders.On her head she wears three styles of wig, which are surmounted by the Double Crown. The god Amun can be seen with his right hand on his knee, and his left hand holding the ankh-sign of life. His throne is decorated on both sides with the symbols of the unification of the Two Lands – the sema tawy. The throne is inscribed with the names of the gods, and, beside Amun, we can see his name and title: Amun-Ra, Lord of the Thrones of the Two Lands, who lives in Karnak. Beside Mut, we can see the title Lady of Isheru, which is a site in Karnak. The base of the statue is inscribed for King Horemheb, who is described as beloved of Mut and Amun.