the mongoose

the mongoose

the mongoose is known as the enemy of snakes who could fight them and cut them into pieces. It was one of the sacred animals in the Late Period and was considered as the main supporter of the king and the people against the snake Apophis, the god of evil and darkness. The god of the sun Re-Atum could be transformed into an Ichneumon, to destroy darkness and evil. Thus, Ichneumon was worshipped by the people as the ‘figure of Re’. He was also one of the spirits of the underworld who would protect the deceased during his journey against snakes. It might have been placed in a shrine or niche in a cult place in the cemetery to help the deceased against evil (snakes) and darkness. This statue depicts the Ichneumon standing on a column with his upraised arms, as if he is warding off evil and against snakes. His body is decorated with horizontal lines .