EXCOURSE

THE UNIFICATION OF THE TWO LANDS

In this picture, the double symbolism of the two lands‘ union is well
seen: Nekhbet with the Vulture as a headdress and the white crown
of Upper Egypt on the right side, Uto as counterpart here, likewise
with Vulture cap and Lower Egypt‘s red crown. In the center stands
the king, who wears both crowns and thereby demonstrates that
he is the one who unites the two countries under the protection of
the Goddesses.

You must have noticed that Uto is not depicted here as a cobra but
is wearing the vulture cap just like Nekhbet. So how do we know
that these are the Goddesses?

Answer: First, we can visually distinguish them by their crowns.

However, the image alone does not tell us enough to be
sure that they are Nekhbet and Uto. This requires know-
ledge of the ancient Egyptian language.

A hint: The inscriptions reveal that it is Nekhbet and Uto. On

the left, the cobra is recognizable also for the non-expert, and on
the right, the name Nekhbet is written in hieroglyphic phonetic
script.

Pharaoh Ptolemy VIII with the double crown between the Goddesses Uto (left side) and Nek-
hbet (right side), wearing the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt. Temple of Edfu, Egypt.

SYMBOLS I – Ancient Egyptian Symbolism in Mythology, Religion & Cult Page 21