Handmade Basalt Egyptian Figure of Renenutet Cobra Goddess (7 H, 5 W, 3 L inches)

The ancient Egyptians decorated their homes, temples, tombs, alters and farmhouses with similar statues, paying homage to Goddess Renenutet.

Renenutet’s role changed drastically over time. At first, she was responsible for guarding the king and later, the harvest. She was portrayed as a raised cobra with the sun disk and horns. Sometimes she was depicted as a woman with a snake's head.

The ancient Egyptian believed that by appealing to the snake, the snake would use its powers to benefit the people and the farmers’ harvest.

During the Old Kingdom, Renenutet was the guardian of the king on earth and in the afterlife.. She spit fire on his enemies from her perch on his brow. As time passed, Renenutet assumed the role of guarding the harvest. Farmers revered her, and shrines to her were placed in granaries.